Barriers proved to be the difference between stablemates Fangirl and Espiona in the Light Fingers Stakes, but both will have to overcome challenging draws in their Group 1 Surround Stakes rematch.
Espiona has drawn gate 13 and Fangirl 16 in Saturday’s field of 16 plus two emergencies.
It is a tough turnaround for Fangirl, who enjoyed a kind run from barrier five to chase down Espiona first-up after the latter endured a wide run from an awkward draw.
Charlie Duckworth, assistant trainer to Chris Waller, says both fillies have continued to do particularly well and luck in the run will again be crucial.
“They are both topliners and a lot of luck and other things will change throughout the preparation, like how far they want to go (in journey),” Duckworth said.
“Fangirl probably wants further than Espiona, but based on last start, who knows? It’s a pretty exciting problem to have.
“They are both going terrificly well.”
The pair dominate betting almost to the exclusion of every other runner.
The previously unbeaten Espiona is a $2.10 favourite, ahead of Fangirl at $4.20 with the Robert and Luke Price-trained Jamaea next pick as an $11 chance.
With a week of heavy rain in Sydney, the Randwick track is expected to be heavy on Saturday and neither Espiona nor Fangirl have experience on extreme conditions.
However, both have won on soft tracks and Fangirl’s jockey Hugh Bowman is satisfied she will cope after the filly worked well in similar ground this week.
“She worked on a track that was close to heavy on Tuesday morning and she worked very well on it,” Bowman said.
“She did have fresh ground though, it’s a different story once it’s a bit chewed up, which it will be by the time she races.
“I might come out with a different opinion but going into the race, I am confident she will be OK in the wet.”