Reigning champ primed for title defence

REIGNING champion Eye Keep Smiling left no doubt she is ready for her Queen Elizabeth II Stake defence next weekend.

Triumphant in last season’s edition for trainer Luke McCarthy, Eye Keep Smiling rounded out her preparation by securing tonight’s qualifier – Robin Dundee Stake – at Club Menangle.

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

Known as the Pacing For Pink night, the evening supports the McGrath Foundation in its mission to raise awareness and funds for women’s cancer treatment.

McCarthy also won last week’s qualifier – Sibelia Stake – with Steno, but gave a big hint as to which he regards as his best chance in the QEII.

“I’ll be sticking with Smiley,” McCarthy said. “Steno is at her best and will run a good race, but Jack (Gallaghan) will drive her.

“I don’t need to wait for the draw to decide which one I’m driving.

“It’s going to be harder again next week, but Smiley was as good as ever tonight and it is the happiest I have been with her this preparation.”

Given time to settle into her stride from barrier 10, Eye Keep Smiling was sent forward to occupy the ‘death seat’ entering the back straight.

Showing a tremendous amount of intestinal fortitude during the latter stages, the daughter of Sweet Lou reached the front in the last stride to score by short half-head from the pacemaker, Tokyo Rose.

In a ‘blanket’ finish, Wicked Confession was a head away third, with Lux Aeterna a head away fourth.

“She had to do it tough tonight,” McCarthy said. “She did a power of work up the back and just kept finding.

“To her credit she is so tough and she just went super to find the line.”

Covering the mile in 1:50.6, the six-year-old took her record to 30 wins and 10 -placings from 47 starts for earnings of $872,208.