Horse Racing

The 2011 Breeders Classic is set to be an exciting showdown between some of Australia’s best sprinters when it takes place on Saturday February 12, 2011.

Nominations were released yesterday, leaving 17 horses in contention for the final 16 horse starting field.

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Sure to be one of the most exciting showdowns of the year, reigning New South Wales Horse of the Year Melito and superstar More Joyous are set for a showdown in the 2011 Breeders Classic.

However, whether or not Melito will actually run is dependent on her track work this week, with Trainer Gerald Ryan hoping his mare can come back from a disappointing spring campaign.

“The Breeders is an attractive race because the Group One winners get in well at the set weights and penalties,” Ryan said.

“If I don’t think she’s ready for the Breeders she will go to the Triscay Stakes the following week.”

More Joyous is looking to add to her prize money of almost $1.5 million with the 2011 Breeders Classic title worth $175,000.

However, More Joyous’s shot at the title could be in jeopardy after she was beaten in her last two barrier trials by stablemate and fellow 2011 Breeders Classic nominee Montana Flyer.

Gai Waterhouse, trainer to both More Joyous and Montana Flyer, has faith that both mares are capable of winning the 2011 Breeders Classic.

“I’m very happy with (More Joyous) and she will go to the Breeders Classic on the 12th of February unless the owner changes his mind,” Ms Waterhouse said.

“Montana Flyer will also run. The blinkers will come off her because she has been racing a bit keenly but I was very happy with her.”

David Pfieffer’s Graceful Anna has also been nominated for the 2011 Breeders Classic.

The four-year-old mare has failed to win a race since the 1,200 metre Attwood Marshall Silk Stocking in May, 2010.

Jersey Lily, who won the Herald Sun Stakes last start, has also been nominated to run for trainer Les Bridge.

Also nominated are Gerald Ryan’s Strawberry Field, John Thompson’s Run For Naara and Clarry Conner’s Dorf Command.

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2011 Breeders Classic Nominations