Mission impossible for defending champ

REIGNING champion Eye Keep Smiling faces a close to impossible title defence this weekend.

Winner of last season’s Queen Elizabeth II Stake, Eye Keep Smiling will attempt to remain on the throne at Club Menangle on Saturday night.

The daughter of Sweet Lou rounded out her preparation for the Group One by capturing last week’s qualifier – Robin Dundee Stake – for trainer Luke McCarthy.

Australasia’s premier mares’ event, the $200,000 major headlines a sensational card at the world class venue, which includes the New South Wales Pacing and Trotting Oaks and the MacArthur Mile…all Group Ones.

Although he is pleased with Eye Keep Smiling’s form, McCarthy admitted the six-year-old has a daunting task ahead.

The source of McCarthy’s concern is rampaging mare, Captains Mistress.

Not only has Captains Mistress won six of her seven starts for Jason Grimson, she has beaten Eye Keep Smiling during their two previous clashes.

Captains Mistress’ unplaced run was a fifth in the Miracle Mile on March 14.

Given a break after the Grand Circuit event, Captains Mistress won a trial in 1:51 last Wednesday.

“I couldn’t be happier with her,” McCarthy said. “Last week was the best she has gone this preparation and her work has been terrific.

“Captains Mistress is just a machine…she’s just on another level at the moment.

“There is no doubt she is the one to beat. I’m not conceding defeat, but it’s going to take a lot to beat her.”

McCarthy will partner Eye Keep Smiling from barrier four, with Captains Mistress drawn gate two.

To be driven by Cameron Hart, Captains Mistress is a short $1.85 TAB Fixed Odds favourite, with Eye Keep Smiling on the second line of betting at $8.50.

Eye Keep Smiling’s stablemate Steno and Tokyo Rose – a stablemate of Captains Mistress – are next at $10.

Jye Coney will take the reins behind Steno from barrier seven, with Tokyo Rose to come from 10 with Pete McMullen in the cart.

“Steno is also in great form, but she’ll need luck from the draw,” McCarthy said.