Minnehaha ready to end bridesmaid run in Flossie McNeil Memorial

AFTER three consecutive runner-up finishes, the Robert Pearson-conditioned Minnehaha should have no problems putting away rivals in this afternoon’s $1.1-million Flossie McNeil Memorial Cup feature at Caymanas Park. Minnehaha, after finishing a credible fourth, four lengths behind Dream Catcher in the Jamaica Oaks over 10 furlongs (2,000m) on August 1, was expected to quickly leave the non-winners of two level. But she has frustrated punters, failing on threestraight occasions. She was a length-and-a-half behind I Love Birdie over eight furlongs (1,600m) on August 22, 3¾ lengths behind Lexi Lou over 5-½ furlongs (1,100m) on September 10, and was caught on the wire to lose by a half-length to Abudar over 9 furlongs and 25 yards (1,825m) on October 18. Returning this quickly, just six days after her last race, is a clear indication that Minnehaha is fit and ready to go again. The cutback in journey to six furlongs (1,200m) should be no issue for her versatile profile, and with the figure off, Minnehaha should win — and win comfortably. Robert Halledeen replaces Omar Walker in the saddle for the task. If she reproduces any of her last three efforts, the bridesmaid tag should finally be off. The contest is positioned as the 10th and final event on the day with a post time of 5:20 pm. First race is at 11:30 am. While Minnehaha looks the one to beat, Aliya’s Will, Following Wave and Nebraska should make the race interesting behind her — though on paper they are battling for second money. If the favourite flatters to deceive again, the top prize could yet become an exciting scrap. Aliya’s Will returns from a 140-day break. Her last race was on June 6 in the 1000 Guineas, where she finished fourth, six lengths behind Dream Catcher. Significantly, she had Minnehaha behind her that day in seventh. On that form she is respected, and she is talented enough to return on a winning note, but the suspicion is she will need the run after such a lengthy layoff. Following Wave brings speed, and that will ensure she has a say. She was a disappointing fifth last time out over the straight course, but she has looked razor-sharp at exercise coming into this race. Her natural pace and early speed make her a contender, especially over six furlongs (1,200m) where she can try to steal it from the front. Nebraska returns from a 112-day break looking healthy at morning exercises. She has been training well, pleasing watchers with her movement, and with her speed to back her up, she is expected to make a telling bid. On form and fitness, they should be chasing Minnehaha — but if the favourite again finds one too good, it is this trio who will be fighting it out for top honours. Ones to watch: Race 1) Blood Moon/Money Box/Conundrum Race 2) Badami/Infinity Star/Cindy’s Rush Race 3) The Leviticus/Hi Slew Squared/Prince Roy Race 4) Chief Dissident/O So Smart/Shelly The Rocket Race 5) Army Recruit/Cookie Ven/Tilluride Race 6) Rush of Class/Raging River/Secret Sensation Race 7) DreamBeachDreaming/Olivia D’Oro/Maverick Race 8) Prince Amaan/Huntsman/Smart Trick Race 9) Pickleball/Behave/Run For Fun Race 10) Minnehaha/Alyia’s Will/Following Wave