McEvoy warns of pace battle
TRAINER Tony McEvoy has warned Sunlight’s rivals will take on his brilliant filly at their peril in the $3.5 million Golden Slipper at Rosehill on Saturday.
McEvoy cited Sunlight’s brave effort to win the Magic Night Stakes last Saturday as evidence of her ability to cope with what is expected to be a pressureladen Golden Slipper.
“They went out hard last week and Setsuna and others tried to pressure Sunlight,’’ McEvoy said.
“But those that took her on finished out the back and she was the last one standing. She sent a strong message – if (they) do want to take her on, they will pay the price.’’
Sunlight, winner of the Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast in January, remains Slipper favourite at $4.20 with Ladbrokes after drawing perfectly in barrier five.
Unbeaten colt Written By firmed into $4.60 last night after drawing four.
Written By’s trainer Grahame Begg said the draw gave his colt every chance.
“This is a Slipper field deep in talented two-yearolds,’’ Begg said.
“The barrier draw is always so important in this race and fortunately Written By has come up with an inside barrier.
“Written By drew wide in his first three starts but he was able to overcome those wide gates because he gets himself into a nice rhythm, absorbs pressure and gives a good kick at the finish.’’
The barrier draw was kind to some and cruel to others, particularly for connections of Estijaab, who was drawn right off the track. If the emergencies are scratched, the filly will start from 14.
Leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller is chasing his first win in the race and despite both his entries drawing poorly, he remains confident Performer (16) and Fiesta (20) can run well.
“The draw is maybe not so important if the track is wet,’’ Waller said.
“Performer’s preparation hasn’t been orthodox but I wouldn’t change a thing.”