Busy schedule well worth it

TRAVELLING more than a touring rock band during the past couple of days has paid dividends for star reinsman Greg Sugars.

Competing at New Zealand's Alexandra Park on Friday night, the Victorian-based Sugars was in action at Club Menangle last night.

In what proved to be 'gold record' 24 hours, Sugars captured features at both venues.

Partnering Just Believe on the Shaky Isles, Sugars was triumphant in the $60,000 Lyell Creek Stake.

Back on the right side of the Tasman, Sugars reined Rakero Rebel to an upset win in the Robin Dundee Stakes.

Sugars was at the airport waiting to return to New Zealand during this interview.

"It's been a long few days, but well worth it," Sugars said.

"I landed in Sydney yesterday afternoon and went straight to the track, now I'm heading back to New Zealand today to get ready for Friday night.

"I'll then get another flight to Sydney on Saturday afternoon to be back at Menangle that night."

Sugars' pending engagement at Menangle will again see him combine with Rakero Rebel as the pair compete in the Queen Elizabeth II Mile.

Rakero Rebel earned a berth in the Group One thanks to her latest success.

Settling two-back along the pegs from barrier two as Eye Keep Smiling led from three, Rakero Rebel was desperate for an opening around the final bend.

Gaining a 'saloon passage' along the inside, the daughter of Rock N Roll Heaven sprinted to a metre win from the pacemaker.

Braeview Kelly was two-and-a-half metres away third in 1:51.1.

"She was always travelling well and just needed that luck, which she got, and was able to make the most of it," Sugars said.

"It will be harder again next week and she will have to rely on luck then as well.

"She has proven she is competitive against the best mares, but she will need a good draw and some luck in the run."