Doreen Drynan is facing yet more drama before a big race with Chica Destacada but she thinks her charge can win Saturday’s Group 1 Temlee (525m).
The pocket rocket chaser will attempt to claim yet another Group title for her western Sydney trainer when she jumps from box two in the $100,000-to-the-winner race at The Meadows.
Drynan was originally not intending to travel interstate for the race, but has now changed her plans and is desperately searching for flights and accommodation.
Chica Destacada had to defy a bout of pre-race illness to claim the Group 1 National Championship last year but Drynan said the sprinter is looking good this time.
“I was not going to go down for this race because of the workload here (at home),” Drynan said. “I just hope I can sort out a hotel in time.
“These races are so hard (but) she has trialled well down there and she looks in good shape.
“She’s been down there a week and has had a good build-up by all accounts.”
Chica Destacada, who will likely start about $8 with Sportsbet, has been inconsistent recently but cannot be ruled out of this race after her superb 2014.
The three-time Group winner, known for her devastating starts, has previously travelled well interstate in the past and is capable of winning here if she jumps at her best.
Chica Destacada is in a field packed with quality including fellow NSW representative Zipping Willow (box one), recent Group 1 Perth Cup winner My Bro Fabio in box eight and box three’s track record holder Allen Deed – but Drynan believes the draw has been kind.
“She won the National Championship from box two, so it may help,” Drynan said.
"We knowit's just about if she can jump clear.
“Just to qualify for this race is a feather in her cap. I’d be happy with a place.”
Zipping Willow has her phenomenal record from the inside on her side and must be respected.
There are question marks over her fitness, however, as she has not raced since injuring a toe on January 2.
Mr Bro Fabio is well drawn again here and with current form looks the one to back.
Brooke Ennis’s chaser ran magnificently to claim his latest Group victory in Perth earlier this month and if he finds a clear way through the field early he could be unstoppable.
Dual Group 1 winner Above All is shaping as the favourite but there are also question marks over his fitness.
Robbie Britton’s chaser has not raced for seven weeks due to injury and it would be a mighty effort to win here from box six.
Temlee box draw: 1. Zipping Willow 2. Chica Destacada 3. Allen Deed 4. Awesome Project 5. Dyna Villa 6. Above All 7. Flash Reality 8. My Bro Fabio. Reserves: Marcus Joe, Musquin Bale.
