by PAUL COURTS
ASTUTE horsewoman Nicole Molander remains quietly confident her classy fillies can continue their successful Australian Pacing Gold association.
Proving too slick in their heats at Tabcorp Park Melton a fortnight ago, Saphirique and Passions Delight will return to the same venue for tomorrow’s APG semi-finals.
Saphirique will contest the opening qualifier, with Passions Delight to strut her stuff later on the program.
“Barring bad luck, I’m confident both fillies will progress into the Final,” Molander said. “They’ve had opposing luck in the draws, but are still in with a big shot.”
Saphirique faces an arduous task after drawing poorly in 10, while her main dangers will begin from the front line.
Also triumphant in their heats for record-breaking trainer Emma Stewart, Molly Kelly has drawn four, with her stablemate, Nostra Beach, to begin from six.
“The second row makes it difficult for Saphirique, but she won’t be far away,” Molander said. “Emma’s two are the ones to beat, but Saphirique only needs an ounce of luck to win.
“If she gets that right run through, she’ll be very hard to hold out.”
Molander’s prospects are a lot brighter with Passions Delight, which is drawn to lead throughout from barrier two.
“Early one we thought Saphirique was the clear pick of the two, but since going to Bathurst, Passions Delight has thrived and now there isn’t much between the two,” Molander said.
“The draw this week has been easier on Passions Delight and she will go very close.
“Mark’s (Purdon) filly Just Makemine Diamonds is bound to improve from her heat and is the main danger from barrier four.
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