Punters have deserted Bunbury mare My Sister Lil who at $41 is the forgotten horse and a rank outsider for Saturday’s Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m).
The Snitzel five-year-old won two races at Belmont in September and ran a slashing second to Real Love in the Asian Beau Stakes (1400m) at Ascot on October 31.
The Ross Price-trained galloper charged home from last to finish just under a length from Railway Stakes rival, Real Love, recording the final 600m in race fastest 35.46sec.
But blotting an impressive campaign and one that has led to a loss of support was a disappointing performance in last week’s Peters Stakes (1500m) when unplaced.
Price, chasing his third win in the Railway Stakes, conceded his confidence took a hit, but on reflection believes there may have been excuses for her run.
“She was going well until Saturday but I think there were a couple of things that were against mares on the day,” said Price.
“The track was rock hard, she was a bit agitated behind the barriers and she copped a bump around the corner.
“She raced flat and didn’t run on as expected, but she has pulled up well and was bouncing around on Monday.
“I was in two minds whether to back her up and start, but after a beach workout she is good as gold to go.”
My Sister Lil, who is on the 53kg minimum for Peter Knuckey, received a major boost after drawing favourably for her biggest test.
With several fancied runners including Delicacy, Black Heart Bart and Real Love copping wide gates, My Sister Lil will start from gate five.
Price, who prepared Welcome Knight (1992) and Medicine Kid (1990) to win the Railway previously, believes Delicacy will be hard to beat.
“My Sister Lil is not in well at the weights,” said Price.
“She is giving Delicacy just 1kg.
“My horse has won $200,000 in prizemoney and Delicacy over a million.
“My horse hasn’t won anything and Delicacy is a dual Group 1 champion.
“But I can guarantee that My Sister Lil will be competitive and won’t disgrace herself.
“She is a strong mare who is capable of bouncing back.
“I’m not crazy enough to say she can win, but I know I have a horse who is fit and goes in with an uninterrupted campaign.”
RWWA: Julio Santarelli