Class Prevails in Randwick's PJ Bell

More often than not the winner of the Gr3 PJ Bell Stakes for 3YO fillies goes on to prove herself as a top line galloper throughout the remainder of her career with previous winners including the likes of Gr1 performers Politeness (Street Sense), Catkins (Dubawi), Ortensia (Testa Rossa), Red Tracer (Dane Shadow). With a field of 18 plus one emergency having accepted and numerous form lines heading into the race, current favourite is the Kris Lees-trained Never Talk (No Nay Never-Palace Talk, by Street Cry). She finished fourth at her most recent run behind Forbidden Love (All Too Hard) in the Gr1 Surround Stakes, while the start before that she finished a narrow second to Every Rose (Choisir-Couredge, by Show A Heart) in the Gr2 Light Fingers Stakes, with that winner also racing in the PJ Bell. With four wins and three place performances from eight starts, the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Macroura (Snitzel-Zenaida, by Zabeel) comes off a last start win at Moonee Valley in the Gr3 Typhoon Tracy Stakes, with the third placed filly Supreme Idea (I Am Invincible-Sweet Sister, by Snitzel) also coming up from Melbourne to contest Saturday's race. Considered an outsider for the event, the Greg Hickman-trained Tudor Magic (Your Song-Tudor Magic, by Magic Albert) could run an improved race, having finished a narrow second in a recent barrier trial behind multiple Gr1 winner and Horse of the Year Nature Strip (Nicconi); plus she also has a liking for a rain-affected track – two from two on soft – a minimum rating that Saturday's track will more than likely be.

Macroura is in winning form (pic: Steve Hart)