Stephen Maguire hopes his plan to avoid the state’s best with pay dividends at Menangle on Saturday.
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MIA Breeders Plate winner Major Roll lines up in the group two NSW Breeders Challenge Blue.
The $50,000 feature has been in Maguire’s sights since he was fifth in the heat for the group one feature in May.
The form of the Wagga race proved to be top class with Hardhitter winning the $125,000 final while Lochinvar Art was an unlucky third.
However Maguire has no regrets with not pushing on.
“I just thought they were stronger than him and if he went around there he probably wouldn’t have been eligible for this race,” Maguire said. “I thought he had more chance of winning this race than the Breeders Challenge.”
Major Roll pleased Maguire with his latest win at Wagga on July 3.
However one concern is the wide alley, with Major Roll set to start from 10 due to the conditions of the race.
Noted for his gate speed, Maguire is looking to be positive from the draw.
“If you went back you might as well go home,” he said. “He’s got enough speed to come out and cross quite and few and hopefully lob handy.”
Maguire leads a strong contingent of Riverina trainers chasing group two success on the night.
David Druitt has Brooklyns Best engaged in the two-year-old fillies feature alongside Anthony Deep’s Cams Pearl while Ray Walker has Plumpton Road in against Major Roll.
Almost half of the three-year-old fillies are trained in the Riverina with Bruce Harpley lining up Ace In Our Pocket, Wayne Sullivan has Rockinfeelgood while David Kennedy has both Shes Sporty and Jive Dancing engaged.
