Big guns grace the track in Harry Jackson
This year the Harry Jackson has been embellished by the presence of probably the two best local-bred horses in the land –
Perfect Neighbour andTypewriter — both former Derby winners.
The last time the big two met was in the Supreme Ventures Limited Diamond Mile Race on December 5, where
Typewriter finished second, two-and-a-half lengths in front ofPerfect Nieghbour in third. The race was won bySeeking My Dream.
Typewriter will carry top weight of 57.0 kilogrammes, whilePerfect Neighbour is better off at 53.0 kilogrammes, courtesy of the apprentice claim, and should hold the slight edge in the race.
The race will only have six runners, with
Hover Craft the only one that could cause some anxious moments to the big two, as the others —Long Running Train, Princess Shine andMiracle Star — will only be testing the waters and will not have a significant say in the outcome of the race.
The Wayne DaCosta-trained
Perfect Neighbour is three from 10 in 2015, with victories coming in the Governor General’s Stakes (2,000 metres), Prime Minister’s Stakes (2,000 metres) and the Gold Cup (1,400 metres).Perfect Neighbour had no luck when running in the Burger King-sponsored Superstakes last month when badly interfered with at the half-mile, but with a clean trip he will be hard to withstand. He relishes two turns but loves when pace is in front of him. He is the best suited among the big two going 2,400 metres; however, the move from jockey Robert Halledeen to apprentice Linton Steadman may not be the right choice.
Typewriter, who produced a terrific stretch run in the Diamond Mile to finish second, seems to be back in tip-top form at the right time under the guidance of the outstanding Spencer Chung. The fact thatTypewriter knows how to run when it matters most, he won’t be easily denied, especially with the three-time champion jockey Dane Nelson getting the leg up.
Hover Craft has defeated bothPerfect Neighbour andTypewriter in the recent Superstakes but was nowhere to be found in the Diamond Mile after finishing in 15th place.Hover Craft will be coming for the leaders in deep stretch and, with a mere 50.0 kilogrammes, should have a say.
There is an added dimension to the race as if
Perfect Neighbour wins, his credentials for Horse of the Year will be significantly enhanced with his main rival being the Diamond Mile and Derby winnerSeeking My Dream.
The
Complete Racing Guide selectsTypewriter.
