Spanish Reef winning last year's Sunline Stakes (Image: Racing Photos)
Ken Keys says he couldn't be happier with the condition of Spanish Reef as she attempts successive wins in the Group 2 Sunline Stakes (1600m) on Friday night.
The Lope de Vega mare completed the G3 Matron Stakes (1600m) and G2 Sunline Stakes (1600m) last season and finalised preparations for this year's Sunline Stakes by defeating Naantali by a head in this year's Matron Stakes at Flemington on March 9.
"She seems to have not missed a beat since winning at Flemington so hopefully she goes there (The Valley) and has some good luck," Keys said.
Spanish Reef has raced six times over 1600 metres in Melbourne against her own sex for five wins and a second, that defeat coming courtesy of Samovare in September 2017.
"I'd like to see her over further, we tried in spring but it didn't work. I don't think the mile is the end of her but it's certainly worked both autumns," Keys said, referring to Spanish Reef's wins in the Matron and Sunline Stakes.
"She's taken a long time to mature, that's probably been her biggest downfall but now is probably the best she's ever developed."
WATCH: Spanish Reef's Matron win
Spanish Reef is even-money favourite with BetEasy to claim her second win in the Sunline Stakes. Keys says the five-year-old will travel to Sydney for the $1 million G1 Coolmore Legacy (1600m) at Randwick on April 13 provided she performs to market expectations.
Spanish Reef finished 14th of 17 starters in last year's Coolmore Legacy as a $7 chance after working hard to find the lead from a wide barrier.
The likelihood of a rain-affected track in Sydney doesn't have Keys perturbed either despite the fact Spanish Reef is yet to race on a track rated worse than Soft 5.
Spanish Reef's main danger is again expected to be Naantali, runner-up not just in the Matron earlier this month but also at her previous start when beaten by Jamaican Rain. Luke Currie will ride Naantali for the first time in the race.
"I was at Moonee Valley on Monday morning to ride Sunlight and I rode a few horses for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace," Currie explained.
"Damian Lane couldn't ride her on Friday night, he's riding another horse (Sheezdashing), so it's a lucky pick up. Naantali looks right in it on Friday night."
There's a couple of mares in the Sunline Stakes field that have performed very well at weight-for-age against male opposition that are at double-figure odds.
Consensus won the G1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) in December 2016 and boasts placings behind Kawi and Devise in weight-for-age mile races at the elite level in New Zealand.
"She's a horse that tends to get back in her races a little bit but I Am A Star and Spanish Reef are going to inject a bit of speed into the race so I'll try to possibly slot in midfield and give my mare the chance to attack the line," said Michael Walker, who will ride Consensus.
"The horse is already a Group 1 winner and was placed behind Melody Belle last start who is an outstanding mare going around, probably the best horse in New Zealand. If she can bring that form to The Valley on Friday night I think she'll be a great hope."
Meanwhile, Our Libretto resumes in the race after being unplaced in two Cranbourne trials. She ended her Spring Carnival by finishing third behind The Taj Mahal and Dal Harraild in the G2 Sandown Classic (2400m) on November 17.
"She'll take great benefit from the run, I've had a little bit of trouble taking weight off her this time around but she needs to go to the races," said trainer Grahame Begg.
"I wouldn't think Moonee Valley would be really to her liking because she's a back-marker but there looks to be good pace in the race and she'll be running on well."
Begg says Our Libretto will then proceed to the G1 Coolmore Legacy before venturing further north to Queensland where the $700,000 G1 Doomben Cup (2000m) on May 18 looms as her likely target race.