George Main Next Goal for Sunline

Monday, 09 September 2002 00:00

In a change of plans, champion mare Sunline did not make her scheduled flight to Melbourne this afternoon and as a result will not be starting in the Feehan Stakes at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

Noeline McKee, wife of co-trainer and part-owner Trevor McKee, this afternoon confirmed that Sunline will remain in New Zealand longer than originally intended.

“Trevor decided that he would prefer to get a couple more gallops into her here rather than send her to Melbourne,” said Mrs McKee.

“He just felt that she would be better off waiting a little longer before deciding on her Australian programme.”

It is believed that Sunline will now have her next start in the Gr.1 George Main Stakes in Sydney on September 28, where she will come up against Lonhro.

He firmed as Cox Plate favourite with an impressive victory in the Chelmsford Stakes at Randwick on Saturday.

Last weekend also marked a return to form by Northerly, who denied Sunline a third consecutive win in last year’s Cox Plate.

In the hands of the champion mare’s regular rider Greg Childs, pinch-hitting for Damien Oliver, Northerly scored a dogged win in the Craiglee Stakes at Flemington.

PIC - Jenny Barnes.

Media Release - TNZ