Barrier gives visiting jockey extra task

Former New Zealand jockey Damian Browne didn't know he was in for a headache when he put his hand up to ride Quintessential in Saturday's $300,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Spring Classic at Hastings.

Weight-for-age races at group one level can be won and lost on barrier draws and Quintessential has drawn the nightmare outside alley of No16.

Queensland-based Browne agreed to travel to New Zealand for the Quintessential ride when approached by trainer John Sargent.

Browne rode her to win the Queensland Oaks in June and backed up on her to finish second in the Queensland Derby.

Attracting Browne to this big race - before yesterday's critical barrier draw - was the fact Quintessential finished only 3.3 lengths behind rugged weight-for-age horse Shoot Out in the group one A$400,000 ($490,000) George Main Stakes in Sydney.

"That's good form," said Browne from Australia yesterday.

"Those horses are just about as good as there are in Sydney, if you take More Joyous out of the equation."

Sargent decided to bring Quintessential home for the Spring Classic then give her a good spell before preparing her for an Australian autumn campaign.

Setting a betting market on this race is not going to prove easy. There is no stand-out prospect, although Xanadu, from the No1 gate, is probably going to start favourite.

Then, what do you do with Quintessential from that barrier?

Browne will welcome the challenge. He is a brilliant and often unpredictable rider in difficult situations.

His tactics will be much awaited.

Trainer Allan Sharrock will be devastated Shez Sinsational has drawn a wide gate in an important mission for his high-class mare.

This race may well decide where she presses forward this spring or is sent to the spelling paddock.

Those who thought Guiseppina did not see out the 1600m of the Windsor Park Plate two weeks ago will be surprised to see her as an acceptor for the 2040m on Saturday.

Another acceptor is the speedy speed mare Fleur de Lune. They have drawn not too badly at No8 and No9.

Hawke's Bay Guineas favourite, the unbeaten Sacred Hills, has drawn the rails barrier.