Star jockeys Kerrin McEvoy and Tommy Berry agree – it’s going to be next to impossible to beat Fireburn in the $500,000 Moet & Chandon Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday.
The brilliant two-year-old filly has been given near-unbackable odds of $1.55 with Ladbrokes to record her sixth-straight victory and, in doing so, become the first filly to win the Triple Crown since Burst 30 years ago.
But there is one slight question mark over the credentials on the two-year-old star for Gary Portelli’s stable – can she step up to the mile after her remarkable victories in the Golden Slipper and Inglis Sires’ Produce Stakes?
Her jockey Brenton Avdulla believes she profiles as if the mile distance should suit her.
McEvoy and Berry were also on the same page – the sole reason Fireburn will not be saluting with the coveted Triple Crown on Saturday at Randwick is if she doesn’t make the 1600m trip.
“The only way we’ll beat Fireburn is if Fireburn doesn’t run a mile,” Berry, who will pilot second-favourite She’s Extreme for Anthony Cummings ($4.20), told horsebetting.com.au.
McEvoy will ride third-favourite with Playup ($7.50), Williamsburg, a two-year-old colt for Gerald Ryan and Stirling Alexiou.
The three-time Melbourne Cup winner was slightly more optimistic, but still labelled Fireburn a “star” who will be very tough to beat.
“The favourite is there to be beaten. He (Williamsburg) can run well,” McEvoy said.
“It’s going to be hard to match it with her. She’s a star. But she hasn’t ticked that mile box yet.
“So that’s the interesting point with her.”
McEvoy has been delighted with Williamsburg’s past two starts – both victories in the $160,000 Schweppervescence (1400m) at Rosehill on March 26 and the $150,000 Grainshaker Vodka Fernhill Mile (1600m) at Randwick on April 9.
“He’s going up in grade against Group 1 winners (on Saturday), but the mile and wet tracks this preparation haven’t been hindrances to him,” he said.
“He’s going to be a lovely three-year-old. He’s done exceptionally well this prep.”
Berry was thrilled with his victory on four-year-old gelding Game Theory in the $50,000 Jeff Pendlebury Bookmaker CG&E Benchmark 72 Handicap (1300m) at Hawkesbury Race Club on Wednesday.
“He’s building a nice little record now (winning his past two starts). He’s heading in the right direction. He’s taken a little while, but I’m very happy with him,” he said.
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