Trainer Chris Waller is not bothered if Love And Kisses has to run into Duporth in the Group Two Stan Fox Stakes at Randwick on Saturday because she's already mixed it with the best around.Love And Kisses has clashed with outstanding filly Samantha Miss at her last three starts and has pleased Waller on each occasion.At her last start, Love And Kisses finished 1-1/2 lengths second to Samantha Miss in the Group Two Furious Stakes at Randwick over Saturday's distance of 1400 metres.The $1 million
Trainer Chris Waller is not bothered if Love And Kisses has to run into Duporth in the Group Two Stan Fox Stakes at Randwick on Saturday because she's already mixed it with the best around.
Love And Kisses has clashed with outstanding filly Samantha Miss at her last three starts and has pleased Waller on each occasion.
At her last start, Love And Kisses finished 1-1/2 lengths second to Samantha Miss in the Group Two Furious Stakes at Randwick over Saturday's distance of 1400 metres.
The $1 million Golden Rose winner Duporth is the TAB Sportsbet $2.60 favourite but trainer Anthony Cummings is yet to confirm the colt will start in the race.
Duporth is also an acceptor for the Group One George Main Stakes and Cummings said he would make a decision on race day.
"Love And Kisses has been racing at Samantha Miss' grade and that's a top grade," Waller said.
"Duporth is an exceptional horse but so is Samantha Miss and having form against her tells me that Love And Kisses will give a good account of herself whoever she goes up against."
Love And Kisses, who races close to the speed, will jump from barrier one and again be ridden by Corey Brown.
"I couldn't have hoped for a better draw, she'll be able to get a nice run from there and having a rider who knows her so well is a huge plus too," Waller said.
Two starts back Love And Kisses ran a close third to Samantha Miss is a thrilling Group Three Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) at Warwick Farm last month.
Samantha Miss flew home to edge out Glowlamp by a neck with Love And Kisses just a head away.
Duporth will undergo a veterinary examination before running on Saturday.
Racing NSW stewards interviewed Cummings at Wednesday's Canterbury meeting in relation to media reports that Duporth had suffered a setback following his Golden Rose win on August 30.
Cummings told them Duporth did not fully extend in his trackwork and a veterinary examination had determined a muscle strain in the colt's near-hind leg.
The injury caused Duporth to miss some work but Cummings said the colt had turned in some pleasing gallops this week, with his most recent hitout at Randwick on Friday morning.
Love And Kisses is the TAB Sportsbet $4.20 equal second favourite with Up And Coming Stakes winner Dreamscape for the Stan Fox.