By Jonny Turner
Measuring up on ability isn’t the main concern Brett Gray has heading into Shezabettorgirl’s debut at Ascot Park on Thursday.
Bred on the golden Bettor’s Delight-Christian Cullen cross, the two-year-old brings an incredible form reference to her first start in race 3, the Book Your Marquee for our Christmas Races Mobile Pace.
In a recent workout, the filly dead-heated with the well performed Ruby Roe who looks a massive winning threat in a Nevele R Fillies Series heat at Oamaru on Sunday.
While she brings all the right credentials, Gray has one concern heading into Shezabettorgirl’s debut.
“Probably her greenness is the worry, she is drawn one and at home she is not really a front-runner, she feels better in behind.”
“But quite often when those ones get to the races it can be different.”
“She goes pretty nice, I like her, she is a bit of a work in progress.”
“It will just be interesting to see how she gets on if she’s in front as there aren’t too many in that race you would want to hand up to.”
Gray rates the Wayne Adams trained Tilly Dunnage as the hardest horse for Shezabettorgirl to beat.
The filly galloped behind the gate and took no part in her debut at Wyndham last week after trialling well.
Gray also starts the consistent Foxfire Easton in Race 6, the Craig at Harcourts Mobile Pace.
The pacer went to the line under a hold, without racing room in his last start at Wyndham.
“He was full of running at the line and that’s the main reason I backed him up this week.”
“He has turned into a consistent wee horse and he doesn’t look too badly off in that race.”
Sidorova, who starts in race 4, the Monica Toretto Photography Fillies and Mares Mobile Pace, disappointed in her last start for Gray at Winton.
But she’s had a freshen-up since then and the trainer is hoping for better on Thursday.
“We have put a line through that last start, she went two good races before it and she has worked well since then.”
“It is a handy enough field but hopefully she can get back to her best, the draw should help her.”
Brent Barclay combines with all three of Gray’s runners on Thursday.
The trainer and driver combination will be out to continue their success after recently producing their 150th win together.
