Racing: Wide draws in Slipper

"I would like one day for her to get a good barrier and take a sit," Edmonds said. Photo / 123RF

Her trainer would like nothing more than for Houtzen to draw a barrier which would allow her to settle behind horses in a race and charge home.

But Toby Edmonds is resigned to the filly once again leading the field from gate 16 of 19 in her most important race so far, Saturday's A$3.5 million Golden Slipper at Rosehill.

The unbeaten Houtzen crossed from the outside gate in the 16-horse Magic Millions field in January and led from barrier nine of nine in her lead-up race at Eagle Farm last Saturday week.

"I would like one day for her to get a good barrier and take a sit," Edmonds said.

"I expect her to lead from that barrier. She's a speed horse and such a good gate horse. She comes out fast and can cross them with the others a second behind."

After yesterday's barrier draw, Houtzen eased slightly from $4 to $4.40 while retaining favouritism over She Will Reign who stayed steady at $5 after drawing 13.

Both will come in two spots if the second and third emergencies don't gain starts.

Blue Diamond Stakes winner Catchy and runner-up Pariah are at $7 and $8 respectively.

No horse has ever won from barrier 13 but 11 would be okay with She Will Reign's trainer Gary Portelli. "Eleven is my lucky number," he said.

Rosehill was in the heavy range yesterday afternoon with rain predicted to continue for the rest of the week. "A wet track brings She Will Reign back to the field," Portelli said.

Portelli also has $26 chance Single Bullet in the race.