Barrier 2 start for Probabeel

RACING

THIS time last year Te Akau trainer Jamie Richards was devastated after drawing the outside barrier with Te Akau Shark for the Cox Plate (2040m).

This year he is rapt as group 1winning mare Probabeel has landed a plum draw for the $A5 million ($NZ5.35 million) race.

‘‘It is such a big help that Brendan [Lindsay, owner] was able to secure barrier 2,’’ Richards said.

‘‘It means we can ride a nice positive race and have her up in the first half of the field.’’

The 4yrold will be reunited with regular rider Kerrin McEvoy on Saturday.

However, the gun hoop was not able to partner the mare in her track gallop at the ‘‘Breakfast With The Best’’ at the track yesterday morning due to being in quarantine.

She was instead ridden by

McEvoy’s brotherinlaw Patrick Payne, who won the Cox Plate in 2002 aboard Northerly.

“It was nice, leisurely work from her. She doesn’t overexert herself without a mate,” Richards said.

“We gave her a decent hitout up in Sydney on Friday before she came down. She was basically just there to familiarise herself with the surroundings and stretch her legs.’’

Probabeel will be looking to cap an already successful spring campaign on Saturday after winning two of her previous three starts, including the Epsom Handicap (1600m), Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m), and finishing runnerup in the Show Country Quality (1200m) firstup.

Probabeel is a $9 prospect in a market headed by Russian Camelot ($4.80), who eased slightly after drawing the outside gate. — NZ Racing Desk