By Adam Hamilton
FORMER Kiwi mare Cyclone Kate is poised for the biggest win of her career in Saturday night’s $100,000 Group 1 Queen Of The Pacific (2760m) at Melton.
Trainer-driver John McCarthy insists the former Gareth Dixon-trained mare is primed and has a perfect draw in the pole.
“This is the biggest race she’s been in for me and I couldn’t be happier with her,” he said,
“She’s got so much gate speed and will lead. Unless something really wants to attack her, she’s going to be very hard to run down.
“She likes to run along in front, so it will be a staying test.”
McCarthy is not worried about the long 2760m trip.
“She’s always been fast, but she’s strong now, too. She’s kept getting stronger,” he said.
“She runs the 2300m out realty strongly at Menangle so the trip doesn’t concern me.
“I love her. I think she’s a ripper mare. And I think she’ll be even better next season.”
Cyclone Kate is $3.50 equal favourite on the Aussie TAB with Nike Franco (gate four).
Then it’s out to $4.50 for champion mare Frith from the back row (gate 10).
Frith’s stablemate My Willow is also in the race from gate 12.
Luke McCarthy is expected to drive Frith ahead of My Willow.
John McCarthy also has Blazin N Cullen in the Golden Reign free-for-all.
“It’s a good race for him. He’s been running home well at Menangle without winning,” he said.
“The draw (inside back row, gate eight) makes it a bit tricky, but he is the class runner.”
On the same night, emerging star Hectorjayjay dominates betting for the Group 2 4&5YO Championship (2240m).
He’s won three of his four runs since joining David Aiken’s stable and being the lone back row runner suits his sit-sprint style of racing.
The main danger will be Bling It On (gate six), but co-trainer and driver Luke McCarthy thinks he might be a run or two away from peak fitness.
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