BRIAN Mayfield-Smith yesterday echoed what most trainers with competitive chances in today's Aurie's Star Handicap were thinking by maintaining that the lightly raced Mic Mac will be the testing material, reports The Age.It says: The $151,000 Aurie's Star (1200 metres) at Flemington is the traditional launching pad to the spring carnival.Mayfield-Smith has the consistent sprinter Gran Sasso engaged, but believes the appearance of Mic Mac, who enjoyed a remarkable run of success when last in work
BRIAN Mayfield-Smith yesterday echoed what most trainers with competitive chances in today's Aurie's Star Handicap were thinking by maintaining that the lightly raced Mic Mac will be the testing material, reports The Age.
It says: The $151,000 Aurie's Star (1200 metres) at Flemington is the traditional launching pad to the spring carnival.
Mayfield-Smith has the consistent sprinter Gran Sasso engaged, but believes the appearance of Mic Mac, who enjoyed a remarkable run of success when last in work, is the horse to beat.
''You'd be a fool to dismiss a horse with such potential, but having said that I'm quite happy with Gran Sasso,'' he said. ''He's a very good horse, Mic Mac, but Gran Sasso hasn't done much wrong in recent starts, he's fit and has maintained his form so far in this preparation.''
The Greg Eurell-trained Mic Mac, who will be ridden by Damien Oliver, could use today's race as a springboard to a number of major group 1 races over the coming months.
Mic Mac won his first five races, graduating from a maiden win at Sale to the group 2 Hobartville Stakes at Rosehill. He has not raced since his only defeat, when fifth in the Randwick Guineas in March.
Oliver is certainly keen on the chances of Mic Mac keeping his fine record in tact. ''He trialled nicely during the week and I won on him at Moonee Valley one day by a large space,'' he said.
David Hayes is buoyed by the fitness levels of his former top-class two-year-old All American heading into the Aurie's Star.