The conditions of the Hot Danish Stakes are not ideal for Chains Of Love, but co-trainer Paul Messara is prepared to give the Kosciuszko victor her chance against some of Sydney’s superior mares.
Under the set weights regulations for the 1400m feature, seven of the ten entries hold a higher benchmark rating than the lightly-raced four-year-old, yet she must carry the same 57kg impost.
“We don’t come into the race really well on Saturday at set weights,” Paul Messara commented. “If it was set weights and penalties, we’d come in in a much handier position. But she’ll be there doing her best.”
Chains Of Love will compete in the Hot Danish Stakes second-up, following a spectacular return in The Kosciuszko (1200m). Despite being forced to traverse wide for much of the race, she displayed remarkable tenacity to chase down Band Of Brothers and secure a narrow victory in a thrilling finish.
Messara reports that the mare has shown no signs of fatigue in the three weeks since her last run and has been working exceptionally well.
“I’m really happy with her. Her work has been great,” he said. “It was a phenomenal win. I can’t believe it. I’ve watched it ten times and I still can’t believe she won. You just don’t win like that, and to be able to do it, that was super impressive.”
Chains Of Love has maintained a solid position in the early betting at $9, with the favourite being the high-class runner Lazzura, who is installed at $1.45 to add to her wins in the Golden Pendant and The Invitation.
With potential future targets like the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) being considered for Chains Of Love in the autumn, Saturday’s race will serve as a crucial benchmark of her talent and will conclude her current campaign.
Messara will also present the undefeated gelding Mainstay for his metropolitan debut in the Highway Handicap (1200m), following a streak of three victories at Scone and Muswellbrook.
Mainstay, a progeny of the esteemed Arrowfield stallion The Autumn Sun, is still in his initial preparation. However, Messara has observed sufficient potential to start considering a Kosciuszko assault for the following year.
“It’s hard to do four in a row, but we’ve won three in the country, and he’ll be coming to town in good form,” Messara stated. “I rate the horse. He’s a horse I have, in my mind, might make it to the Kosciuszko next year. He’s that style of horse that can come in at the right level, and he’s progressive.”
“He’s just needed time. He’s found a way every preparation to get out of it at the last minute. He’d be ready to go and get a temperature and have to go out for a break. It’s just been one of those situations with him. Nothing too serious. He’s a beautiful horse to look at, and built like an absolute tank.”
Mainstay was listed at $4.60 on Friday.
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