While the conditions of the Hot Danish Stakes are not perfectly suited for Chains Of Love, co-trainer Paul Messara is content to let the Kosciuszko winner have her opportunity against some of Sydney’s leading mares.
Seven of the ten participants in the 1400m feature boast a higher benchmark rating than the lightly-raced four-year-old. However, under the set weights stipulation, she is required to carry the same 57kg weight as her rivals.
“We don’t come into the race really well on Saturday at set weights,” Paul Messara stated. “If it was set weights and penalties, we’d come in in a much handier position. But she’ll be there doing her best.”
Chains Of Love enters the Hot Danish Stakes second-up following a remarkable return in The Kosciuszko (1200m). Despite being caught wide throughout the run, she demonstrated immense tenacity to chase down Band Of Brothers and secure a narrow victory in a thrilling finish.
She has had three weeks to recover from that demanding effort, and Messara reports that the mare has maintained her excellent condition.
“I’m really happy with her. Her work has been great,” he said. “It was a phenomenal win. I can’t believe it. I’ve watched it ten times and I still can’t believe she won. You just don’t win like that, and to be able to do it, that was super impressive.”
Chains Of Love has been a steady performer in early betting at $9. The race is currently led by the highly-rated Lazzura, who stands as the $1.45 favourite to add to her previous wins in the Golden Pendant and The Invitation.
With races like the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) being considered for Chains Of Love during the autumn, Saturday’s contest will serve as a crucial indicator of her capabilities and will mark the conclusion of her current campaign.
Messara is also set to saddle up the undefeated gelding Mainstay for his city debut in the Highway Handicap (1200m). The colt has compiled an impressive record with three consecutive victories at Scone (on two occasions) and Muswellbrook.
Hailing from the renowned Arrowfield stallion The Autumn Sun, Mainstay is still in his inaugural preparation. Nevertheless, Messara has observed sufficient promise to contemplate a Kosciuszko challenge in the subsequent year.
“It’s hard to do four in a row, but we’ve won three in the country, and he’ll be coming to town in good form,” Messara commented. “I rate the horse. He’s a horse I have, in my mind, might make it to the Kosciuszko next year. He’s that style of horse that can come in at the right level, and he’s progressive.”
“He’s just needed time. He’s found a way every preparation to get out of it at the last minute. He’d be ready to go and get a temperature and have to go out for a break. It’s just been one of those situations with him. Nothing too serious. He’s a beautiful horse to look at, and built like an absolute tank.”
Mainstay was available at $4.60 on Friday.
For those looking to back Chains Of Love, consider exploring the diverse racing odds offered by Australian betting sites.
