A window of opportunity has blown open for Soho Burning Love and trainer-driver Michael Stanley is optimistic she’s got the goods to take advantage on what could be a big night for the Burrembeet stable.
Having plucked a double-figure draw in three of her previous six Group 1s, Soho Burning Love will start from gate one in tonight’s $100,000 Schweppes Ladyship Mile and, according to Stanley, has the attributes to cash in on her advantage.
“Obviously over this sprint distance getting good draws is always the key and she’s got enough gate speed to put herself at the forefront,” he said.
“I’m sure this is a bit of a step up, there is more quality depth in this race than she’s seen before.
“She raced through all the Group 1s last year and placed in four and was unlucky in the fifth when she drew poorly in the Breeders Crown.
“She has drawn bad in all these races and so has run well. We are really keen to put a Group 1 beside her name because she deserves one.”
She will have to overcome top end talent including Tell Me Tales, unbeaten in her 11 starts since June 2017 and drawn directly outside Soho Burning Love, and Dean Braun’s well-rated Carlas Pixel, who will have to overcome the gate 10 draw.
“Hopefully this isn’t her only opportunity, but over the short trip, from a good barrier in a Group 1 she will be racing to win,” Stanley said.
He will likely be prominent in three of the night’s four Group 1s with Rackemup Tigerpie contesting the TAB Multiplier 4YO Bonanza a week after a stunning second in the PETstock Ballarat Pacing Cup, when he shook off Cruz Bromac and was only clipped in the final stages by favourite Thefixer.
“I knew going into the race he would give them a real shake,” Stanley said.
“His track work has gone to a new level every time he steps – he has speed and toughness and a big heart. I was confident, but it was great to get to the races and show the people what I have seen of him.”
The challenge will be no less in tonight’s Group 1.
“The (4YO Bonanza) barrier draw is really hard for him with Pats Delight, Spankem and Poster Boy drawn the front line. It’s going to be really hard and he will need a lot of luck.”
The stable will also be represented by Sky Petite in the Woodlands Great Southern Star and Stanley was optimistic his mare could replicate the TAB Inter Dominion performance when she was only one-metre shy of unseating Tornado Valley.
“I think she’s a high-class trotting mare,” he said. “She is back to the 2700m, that’s her pet distance because she can follow at a really good speed and hit the line.”
From gate four he said Sky Petite would likely roll forward and then wait for her opportunity in the hands of young reinsman Ryan Duffy.
“Sky Petite is pretty good out of the gate, we will press forward in the first 100m and get a place in the running line,” Stanley said.
“It’s a cracking race. The more depth and more quality in the race the more it will suit her. I’m sure if she gets the right trip she can run a really good race.”
CLICK BELOW TO LISTEN TO MICK STANLEY ON THIS WEEK’S TROTS TALK:
