Kiwi in search of more Aussie majors

CLASSY New Zealand filly Mexicana will return to the scene of her biggest win in search of more Group One glory today.

Winner of the famed Redwood Classic in Maryborough during her Australian debut a fortnight ago, Mexicana is heading back to the provincial circuit to contest a Breeders’ Crown heat.

Should all go to plan the two-year-old will then compete in the Group One Final at Tabcorp Park Melton on November 21.

Prepared on the Shaky Isles by Josh Dickie, Mexicana will be driven by Anthony Butt who, along with his partner Sonya Smith, has been caretaker of the trotter since she crossed the Tasman.

“She has trained on brilliantly since the Redwood,” Butt said. “Her work has been sharper and she will improve on what she did last time around.

“Barrier five can always be a bit tricky but she has the class to overcome it.”

Butt is hoping for a strong showing throughout the day as stable representatives Elite Stride and Have No Fear are favourites in their Breeders’ Crown heats.

Runner-up in the Victoria Derby on Redwood Day, Elite Stride is a $1.45 hot shot with TAB Fixed Odds from barrier two.

The multiple feature winning three-year-old boasts the impressive record of nine wins and three placings from 12 starts.

“He’s come through the Derby well and is ready to run another good race,” Butt said. “I’m happy with his condition and draw.”

Winner of his three starts before an unplaced effort in the Redwood, Have No Fear heads the market at $2 with TAB Fixed Odds from barrier four.

“He had no luck in the Redwood after copping interference soon after the start and losing a lot of ground,” Butt said. “Then after chasing to catch the field he’s had to do it tough in the breeze.

“I was happy with his run it was just things didn’t go his way.

“He’s come through it fine and will be right for his heat.”

Butt will also driver Abitofadreamer for Kim Procter and Parisian Artiste for the Anton Golino-Jack MacKinnon stable, with the pair among the outsiders.

A winner in Maryborough two starts ago, Abitofadreamer finished second after facing the breeze on Redwood Day.

The son of Used To Me will be relying on luck from the inside of the back line, with TAB Fixed Odds listing the three-year-old at $19.

Also second at Maryborough during his last outing, Parisian Artiste is at $11 from the outside of the front row.

Abitofadreamer and Parisian Artiste were bred by Yabby Dam Farms.