By Michael Guerin
Those hoping for a twist in the tale of the $1million Race by Grins got their wish when No Matter Wat was the surprise last invite on Tuesday.
The New Zealand Oaks winner, who was barely out of maidens six months ago, has secured the last of the 10 slots for the race and will automatically draw barrier 1 in the 2200m mobile at Cambridge on April 14.
In a bonus for The Race she will be driven by New Zealand’s most successful ever reinsman Tony Herlihy.
No Matter Wat wasn’t even considered the best three-year-old filly in trainer Mark Purdon’s stables until a stunning NZ Oaks win at Addington in December and she has returned looking bigger and stronger this year, winning both her starts this campaign.
While she has yet to compete in open class she adds genuine Group 1 form to The Race and well as an x-factor for what has developed into a very compelling second running of New Zealand’s first harness slot race.
She joins stablemates Akuta and Self Assured along with Copy That, B D Joe, Nicholas Cage, Kango, Old Town Road and Australian raiders Better Eclipse and Triple Eight in the slot race.
An emergency will also be drawn in the field during the barrier draw at 6pm on Monday, with that horse available to take the slot of any scratching should that eventuate before the 7.30am scratching time on the morning of The Race.
Many of The Race by Grins contenders will have their final lead-up in the $45,000 Dunstan Flying Mile at Cambridge on Thursday night, with that races preferential draw conditions meaning favourites like Copy That and Akuta have drawn the second line.
Local pacer Nicholas Cage has recovered from a throat infection that saw him perform below his best at Alexandra Park last start and co-trainer Andrew Neal says he wil bounce back on Thursday on his way to The Race.
“He is very happy and healthy and worked great this week so he is ready to be driven aggressively on Thursday and show his best.”
