Star import will need luck from wide draw

‘SHE is going to have to earn it.”

That’s the call from top horseman Jack Trainor when discussing Aardies Express’ Australian debut at Club Menangle on Saturday night.

A recent addition to Trainor’s team, Aardies Express crossed the Tasman with an imposing record of 13 wins and two seconds from 19 starts for earnings of $192,614.

Having had two trials during the past few weeks, including a 1:51.7 victory last week, Aardies Express is set to contest the Sibelia Stake.

Along with a $50,000 purse, the Group Three offers a berth into the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Mile at the world class venue on May 4.

Although he is pleased with Aardies Express’ progress, Trainor has no doubt the daughter of Always Be Miki faces an arduous task from barrier 10.

Trainor has three representatives in the feature, with Manhattan to come from gate three and Braeview Kelly drawn nine.

Braeview Kelly won last season’s Queen Elizabeth II Mile in 1:49.5.

“Aardies is the best of the mares, but is also first up from a long break, so she is going to have to earn it to win,” Trainor said. “No matter what she does this weekend, she will be a lot better for the run as she works towards the Mile in a few weeks.

“She is forward enough to win, but it is a pretty decent field and she’s drawn poorly.”

Unbeaten from two starts for Trainor, Manhattan shapes as the biggest threat to her star stablemate, with the six-year-old to be partnered by Jack Brown.

“I can’t fault her,” Trainor said. “She is a lovely mare which is tough as teeth.

“The draw will help her as she’s got good gate speed and will be able to get into a good spot.

“Braeview Kelly is racing as well as ever, but the draw makes it tough. She’ll need some luck from there.”