Sunline to Resume in New Zealand Despite Aussie Entries

Monday, 19 August 2002 00:00

Sunline is expected to be nominated for races on Saturday in Melbourne and Sydney this morning, but she is almost certain to kick off her preparation on the same afternoon in New Zealand.

Connections of the mare, who was crowned the New Zealand champion for the fourth consecutive time on Friday night, are expected the nominate for the Liston Stakes in Melbourne and the Warwick Stakes in Sydney.

The Australian entries will be lodged as a back up in case the track for her expected return in New Zealand this weekend is badly rain affected.

Steve McKee, one of the mare's co-trainers, said on radio this morning Sunline was "almost certain" to run in New Zealand. But he hinted if forced to fly to Australia they would favour Melbourne over Sydney.

Sunline, a daughter of the Victorian based sire Desert Sun, is being aimed at a third Cox Plate win at Moonee Valley in October.

PIC - Jenny Barnes.