Wagga trainer Wayne Carroll could not be happier with Lady Mironton ahead of Friday's assignment in the $100,000 Snake Gully Cup (1400m).
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The Wagga mare is considered the best hope of a Southern District victory in the race with Lady Mironton on the third line of betting as a $7.00 chance with TAB.
Lady Mironton booked her place in the field with a strong victory in the Stan Sadleir Stakes at Wagga on November 1 and Carroll revealed the mare has thrived since the last-start win.
"She's absolutely fantastic," Carroll said.
"I honestly couldn't ask her to be any better. She's really bubbling.
"I've had to keep her on the fresh side for 1400 metres but she is just a big strong animal now.
"The way the mare feels I'm actually a little bit excited about what she can do at the moment."
Lady Mironton has drawn barrier 12 but is expected to start from gate 10 after scratchings.
Simon Miller, who has ridden the mare in 12 of her 18 starts, retains the ride.
Not even a wide gate has dampened Carroll's confidence.
"I would rather be drawn 12 there than barrier one or two," he said.
"I'd be happy three deep with cover.
"I'll leave a fair bit up to Simon. We'll discuss options from the barrier but like any race you're going to need luck and whatever unfolds, unfolds."
Carroll also nominated and accepted with Lady Mironton for a race at Moonee Valley on Friday night but has scratched the mare.
"That was just in case the race was stupidly strong," he said.
Carroll has not had a lot of runners in the Snake Gully Cup during it's 30-year-history. His last runner was Grand Allowance in 2015, who ran fourth on a heavy track behind Zero To Ten.
The former South Melbourne high-flyer would love to add the Snake Gully Cup to his trophy cabinet.
"It would be fantastic, especially now it's a $100,000 race," he said.
"We'll see how we go but if it doesn't happen, so be it, it's not the end of the world.
"This is her campaign, now, and hopefully going forward."
Lady Mironton is raced by John Keough and a big group of connections.
Meantime, Carroll will have Ile De Re and Ember in the Elders Showcase Maiden Handicap (1180m) in the opening race on Snake Gully Cup day.
He also has Cambridge Queen in on Saturday, while Set To Go Well is an emergency for both days.
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