Kiwi mare Probabeel well backed despite dreadful draw

Probabeel is closing in on favouritism for today’s A$ 1 million Epsom at Randwick in Sydney, even from a dreadful draw.

The Matamata mare was the $ 5.50 second favourite with Australian bookmakers last night, sitting just outside $ 5 top elect Star of the Seas, even though Probabeel starts from barrier 16 and the favourite from the ace.

Victory for either would be a win for the New Zealand breeding industry, as Star of the Seas was also bred here, but Probabeel is a rare New Zealand- trained mare pressing for favouritism in one of Sydney’s two glamour miles.

Her draw isn’t ideal, especially as this year’s Epsom doesn’t look certain to have the usual fast tempo, but at least the long straight at Royal Randwick and the likely good4 surface suit Probabeel perfectly.

“We just don’t want her to be wide without cover,” says Probabeel’s trainer Jamie Richards.

The t wo- time Karaka Million winner has peaked perfectly for today’s Group 1 and gets in with a luxury weight of 52.5kg, albeit with new topweight Mister Sea Wolf carrying only 56kg.

Although New Zealand eyeballs on Sydney today will be primarily focused on the Epsom ( R7, 7.05pm), the Premier Stakes a race earlier holds plenty of intrigue.

Speed freak Nature Strip was a once dominant favourite for the A$ 15 million Everest in two weeks but after a fresh- up defeat and then some barrier issues at the trials, he looks less than bulletproof.

That has left his champion New Zealand jockey James McDonald praying he can get the big horse into a relaxed rhythm inside the first 200m.

“I am sure he will be fine out of the barriers and there doesn’t appear to be much pressure in the race,” McDonald told the Weekend Herald. “But the key for him is getting into a rhythm and relaxing.”