Champion trainer Ciaron Maher has decided to equip Steel City with blinkers, hoping to boost her chances in what he views as a winnable Group 2 Missile Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.
The four-year-old daughter of Merchant Navy has only one victory from ten starts, a notable win in last year’s Group 3 Magic Night Stakes (1200m).
This season, her best performance came last month when she finished fourth, just over three lengths behind the winner, in an 1100-metre handicap at Caulfield.
“She’s improved every start, and I’ve put the shades on. I think she will improve again,” Maher told Racing NSW.
“It’s not the strongest edition of the Missile, and we’ve got the fitness edge on our side.
“With blinkers, she’ll need to find a couple of lengths, and I think she will.
“A top-three chance is certainly what we’re aiming for.”
2024 Missile Stakes Final Field
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