Star mare back to defend feature titles

REIGNING champion Stylish Memphis will defend the first of her two Club Menangle titles this weekend.

Sent across the Tasman in preparation for the features, Stylish Memphis is engaged in Saturday night’s Sibelia Stake.

The daughter of Bettors Delight captured last season’s edition en route to winning the prestigious Ladyship Mile a fortnight later.

Should all go to plan,  Stylish Memphis will also defend the latter throne on February 26.

“She proved too good for them when she came over last year, and if anything, she has come back better than last time I reckon,” trainer Jack Trainor said.

“She has a pretty good record at Menangle and hopefully she can keep that going for the next few weeks.”

Winner of her two starts since arriving in New South Wales, Stylish Memphis has drawn wide in barrier 10.

The five-year-old slots into nine with the removal of the emergency.

“The draw hasn’t made it easy for her in nine,” Trainor said.

“She hasn’t raced for three weeks, and I’m not saying she can’t win, but she will definitely be better for this week’s race heading into the Ladyship.

“I was going to race her last week, but had a slight hiccup, so decided to leave her out and give her some solid work at home.

“If she was fully screwed down in fitness I would be a lot more confident and say they can’t beat her, but if she is going to be beaten, it is this week.”

Citing Maajida as the main danger, Trainor is also wary of Anntonia.

“Maajida is a good mare which is in top form and never seems to run a bad race,” Trainor said.

“Anntonia if first-up for a few months, but she is a class mare, and if she can get a nice trip without doing much, she can still finish over the top of them.”