Jockey Ryan Hill is confident Fire Born can end an exasperating run and return to the winner’s list when she tackles the Listed Raconteur Stakes (1500m) at Ascot on Saturday.
Hill has formed a strong association with the Oratorio filly who looked set for a fruitful campaign after returning to post a smart win over 1100m at Ascot in January.
But the pair have since meet stiff opposition and been stonewalled by a trio of highly-talented three-year-olds who have set Ascot alight in recent weeks.
Fire Born ran third to flying machine Sheidel and was runner-up behind unbeaten gelding Red Ora in the Magic Millions Perth 3YO Trophy (1200m).
She completed a placing hat trick when a narrow third to Belle La Vie in the Western Australian Breeders Classic (1400m) at Bunbury.
The Chris Stelmach-trained Belle La Vie is $4.20 for the Raconteur Stakes, shading Properantes at $4.40 for TAB favouritism.
Blitzem Someday, who split Belle La Vie and Fire Born in an exciting finish to the Breeders Classic, is rated a $6.50 prospect.
The Natural Blitz colt shares the third line of betting with Bowl A Doosra. Fire Born and Muskets At Dawn are at $7.
Hill says Fire Born will be the big improver and from a perfect draw in gate four he can have the filly prominently placed.
“All her runs have been terrific this time in,” said Hill on TAB Radio.
“Her run in the Magic Millions was fantastic and she just bumped into a really good one in Red Ora.
“The start before that she bumped into Sheidel who is flying.
“And last start she just over raced a bit after three weeks between runs.
“We have drawn a beautiful gate and I will be looking to rider her in the same way as in the Magic Millions.
“I will get some cover and if I can land box seat I have no doubt she will run out the 1500m because she stuck on terrifically over 1400m the other day.
“I couldn’t be any more confident going into the race.”
Blitzem Someday, to be ridden by Alan Kennedy and Bell La Vie, in the hands of Paul Harvey, have drawn the two outside gates in ten and eleven respectively.
Harvey, who is replacing the suspended Shaun O’Donnell, is out to pinch his fifth win in the Raconteur Stakes.
He won previously with Cheri Cheval (2010), Master Park (2000m), The Medic (1996) and Satan’s Lad (1990).
Hill has warned punters not to dismiss Andi’s Boy who renews acquaintances with I’m Feeling Lucky in the Caves House Hotel Yallingup Handicap (2200m).
Only a half-head separated the pair when they clashed over 2150m at Ascot last fortnight, Andi Boys second run back this preparation.
I’m Feeing Lucky is the $5.50 favourite to go back-to-back. Hill believes Andi’s Boy represents great value at $11.
“He just stays all the day and his heart rate is fantastic,” said Hill.
“He raced first-up over 1400m which was way too short and the other day he stuck on really well.
“I’m Feeling Lucky got the suck run behind him but we meet her much better at the weights.
“He has to be good value for the punters and third up over ground I’m really happy with him.”