The Princess Stakes Crown Up for Grabs

Having drawn the outside in barrier 23, Michael Nolan's Exotique Miss (Under the Louvre-Outlandish, by Redoute's Choice) has been installed the favourite in Saturday's Listed Aquis Stallions Princess Stakes (1600m) at Eagle Farm. Backing up off her win last Saturday in the Listed Daybreak Lover (1400m), in which she jumped from barrier 14 of 17, the Robbie Dolan-ridden filly will be chasing her fourth consecutive win come Saturday. Although her sire was a winner up to only 1400m, Exotique Miss is from the family of Gr1 VRC Oaks winner Slight Chance (Centaine), so one would expect the step up to the mile should pose no concern for the favourite. Not seen since finishing fourth in the Gr1 VRC Oaks (2500m) during the Spring off the back off a win in the Gr2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m), the G Waterhouse & A Bott-trained Amazonian Lass (More Than Ready-Dynastic Lady, by Fastnet Rock) has been readied for her first up assignment with two barrier trials efforts. From barrier 8, jockey Ryan Maloney will have the option to go forward and take up the lead in what is her usual racing pattern, the only question is will she be vulnerable late and be able hold off any of those charging home late. There is no question she has the class to win the race but may be one to watch in 3 races over slightly further in the weeks to come. Training three winners in the last eight years of the race, more than any other trainer, C J Waller will be represented by five runners in Saturday's edition with his best on paper appearing to be Torryburn Stud sold Mare of Mt Buller (Dundeel-Aliberani, by Redoute's Choice), who has unfortunately drawn wide in barrier 18.