Reigning champ to battle more than history

REIGNING champion Stylish Memphis will have to battle more than recent history if she is to successfully defend her Ladyship Mile title.

A brilliant winner of last season’s edition when covering the 1609-metre sprint in 1:49.2, Stylish Memphis will return to Club Menangle on February 26 for the $200,000 Group One.

Along with the fact no mare has managed consecutive wins in the famed feature for more than two decades, Stylish Memphis’ opposition includes a stellar line-up of quality pacers.

For the record, only three champions have managed to retain their ‘tiara’ since the Ladyship Mile’s inauguration in 1974.

Jodie’s Babe was the ground breaker thanks to her victories in 1988 and ’89, while Diamond Debutante was successful in 1991 and ‘92, followed by Tailamade Lombo in 1998 and ‘99.

American-bred pacer Sabilize is the only other dual winner, scoring in 1993 and ’96.

As for Stylish Memphis she earned her berth in the feature by capturing last weekend’s Sibelia Stake around the 1400-metre circuit.

With the Jack Trainor-prepared five-year-old resting in her barn tonight, local mare Fairy Tinkabell issued an ominous warning by securing the second qualifying event – Robin Dundee Stake.

Driven by Luke McCarthy for his trainer-wife, Belinda, Fairy Tinkabell stopped the clock in 1:49.9 as Wainui Creek and B K Swy filled the placings.

“She did a good job coming through the grades last year and has matured into a very nice mare,” Belinda said.

“We picked the Ladyship Mile out for her a long time ago, so for her to be able to make her way into the race is already a win.

“Now we just hope she can top it off in the big one.

“It’s going to be another step up with such a wonderful field of mares, but she’s certainly up to the challenge.”

With the draw to be completed on Monday, the field for the Ladyship Mile is Anntonia, B K Swy, Fairy Tinkabell, Maajida, Mona Mia, Our Cowgirls N Lace, Spellbound, Stylish Memphis, The Honey Queen, Wainui Creek, Diamond Party (first emergency), Uroc Skinny Jeans (second emergency).

HOOFNOTE: This year’s Ladyship Mile has been renamed the Queen Elizabeth II Mile, in recognition of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.