Sport
Grand slam tilt for Miss Finland
By John Schell - Sydney Morning Herald (NSW Metropolitan, 11 April 2006)
GOLDEN Slipper winner Miss Finland will be given the chance to win the coveted two-year-olds' grand slam.
In a boost to the Australian Jockey Club's multimillion-dollar Easter carnival, connections of the brilliant filly declared the youngster a starter in Saturday's Sires' Produce Stakes at Randwick.
The David Hayes-trained Miss Finland was yesterday subjected to an extensive examination by eminent veterinarian Percy Sykes.
"The horse has pulled up well and Percy Sykes is very happy with the way she has come through the run," said part-owner John Messara. Miss Finland romped home in last Saturday's $3 million AAMI Golden Slipper at Rosehill by 4½ lengths and Hayes was going to save her for the final leg of the Sydney juvenile triple crown, the Champagne Stakes at Randwick on April 22.
But Sykes's examination was enough to alter those plans. Craig Williams, who rode Miss Finland in the Golden Slipper, will retain the ride in the Sires' Produce. Hayes plans to have three runners in Saturday's group 1 with De Lago Mist set to run along with Golden Slipper third placegetter Churchill Downs, which will be ridden by Steven King. | End |
