Daffodil Favourite For Kelt Stakes

Wednesday, 30 September 2009 06:30

Star mare Daffodil is $3 favourite for the $NZ1.2 million Kelt Stakes at Hastings on Saturday after drawing near the middle of the field.

Daffodil, who won the second leg of the Hawke's Bay triple crown, the Windsor Park Plate (1600m) with a whirlwind finish, drew barrier nine on Wednesday for the 2040m feature.

A field of 16 will jump, with Arlington the sole emergency.

Daffodil had closed $2.80 favourite when the TAB ended its features market on Tuesday, before she was installed at $3 on its final field book after the barrier draw.

The Hastings track was rated a dead (6) and Daffodil's trainer Kevin Gray said that would suit the AJC Australian Oaks winner.

"She'll handle most tracks. As long as the jar is out of the ground I will be quite happy," he told Trackside TV.

"She has done everything right, I couldn't be more happy with her. My only hope is she has a bit of luck."

Sarrera, who finished second in the Windsor Park, was $5.50 second favourite after drawing stall five.

Harris Tweed, one of New Zealand's main Melbourne Cup hopes, drew barrier four. He will be ridden by David Walsh and was third favourite at $10.

Australian visitor Miss Maren, from Mick Price's Melbourne stable, drew barrier seven and the TAB has her at $12.