Reigning champ’s tough title defence

REIGNING champion Cee Cee In Paris faces a tough title defence this weekend.

Triumphant in last season’s Foundation Series Final at Club Menangle, Cee Cee In Paris will attempt to retain her position on the throne in Saturday night’s three-year-old edition at the same venue.

Trained by Lisa Fitzpatrick in 2025, the trotter is prepared by the horsewoman’s husband Blake this time around.

“It’s not going to be easy for her,” Blake said. “As you’d expect, it’s a pretty nice field with four or five strong chances.

“I’ve been pleased with her form and her work has been solid, so she is in good shape…now it’s a matter of what kind of run she gets on the night.”

Successful in the opening Foundation heat on March 17, Cee Cee In Paris was unplaced during the next two qualifiers before finishing second behind Gladiatrix in the last heat on June 2.

To be driven by Blake, Cee Cee In Paris will begin from barrier eight, with Blake stating the filly’s wide draw will “make life difficult”.

“It’s not an ideal draw,” Blake said. “Obviously we would like to be closer to the pegs.

“Gladiatrix is the only one drawn outside her, so it will make life difficult from there.”