But Wingatui jockey Jake Lowry is not throwing in the towel just yet with Dezzies Dream, who is trained at Ascot Park by Sabin Kirkland.
The filly began her 3yr-old season with a classy two-length win at Riccarton a fortnight ago in the hands of Lowry, but it was her win at Riccarton back as a late 2yr-old in May that gives Lowry confidence.
‘‘You look at the times from a couple of the northern horses and last time over 1200m, she ran 1.08.8 - that's pretty impressive - and the closest they've got is 1.11,'' Lowry said.
‘‘So that plays into our hands a wee bit and shows where we're at. I think we're right up there with them.''
The Coats Choice filly landed in front over 1000m two weeks ago and was never headed, stretching out the seven-horse field.
Lowry said there was plenty left in the tank as the duo step back up to the 1200m tomorrow.
‘‘She has got quite a high cruising speed and she tends to roll along a bit,'' he said.
‘‘She had a good blow after the race and all that so she should take a lot of improvement.''
The North Island raiders include the Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards-trained trio of Windborne, last-start Riccarton winner Princess Davone and Special Memories.
Lowry said the Matt and Mandy Brown-trained filly, Peach Cove, a listed winner last season, would also be a threat.
Dezzies Dream is a chance of leading from barrier 4, although Lowry is happy to ride her where he finds her shortly after the start.
‘‘We'll play it by ear. She usually jumps and goes a wee bit, but we'll just see what happens,'' he said.
‘‘I'm incredibly lucky to be riding her in a race like this so I just hope we can keep it up.
The Riccarton track firmed up to a good3 yesterday morning, a reading Dezzies Dream has handled in the past for victory.
‘‘A wee bit of moisture won't hurt her, but a good3 would be ideal.''
