Candika set to shine from improved barrier
The barrier draw has favoured Candika for the first time this preparation and trainer Steve O’Dea is expecting it to pay dividends in the BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes.
Candika has drawn barrier four in the Group Two race Doomben at Doomben on Saturday – gate O’Dea believes will be ideal for the two-year-old.
The filly has been rated a leading chance to claim the Sires’-JJ Atkins double since her fast-finishing third to Capitalist in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic.
But she has been hampered by bad barriers in her two runs back from a spell.
“She got run off her feet last start in the Champagne Classic and got too far back,” O’Dea said.
“From the good barrier we should be able to ride her a bit closer and give her a chance in the straight.”
Along with many trainers, O’Dea is counting the days until racing reopens at Eagle Farm.
“Candika has never been on a big track but the way she races indicates she is going to be well suited in the JJ Atkins there,” he said.
O’Dea has no doubts Candika has the class to win in stakes company.
“Her form is around good horses such as the Golden Slipper winner Capitalist so she just needs the race to be run her way,” he said.