Seonee (Image: Racing Photos)
In-form mare Seonee is ready to enhance her reputation as a giant killer when she takes on Amelia's Jewel in the Group 2 Stocks Stakes (1600m) at The Valley on Friday night, according to her managing owner Joe O'Neill.
At her most recent start, the Patrick Payne-trained Seonee made it four wins in a row when she defeated boom South Australian See You In Heaven in the Leon MacDonald Stakes (1400m) at Morphettville Parks.
On that occasion, See You In Heaven was a $1.95 favourite and Seonee started at $3.60.
On Friday night in the Stocks Stakes, Seonee is second favourite again at $11, with Amelia's Jewel at $1.35 with Sportsbet.
"I have a lot of respect for Amelia's Jewel and if we run second, it will be a good result, but we give her a chance of winning," the Prime Thoroughbreds manager said.
"Our mare is also a very good mare and she's in great form having won four in a row. She ran in this race last year and finished fifth, beaten only a length-and-a-quarter and she's a far more accomplished mare this time around.
"Patrick set her for the Adelaide win and this race, so it's not an afterthought. It was an impressive win in Adelaide."
O'Neill said Seonee's versatility in terms of where she will position herself in a race also gives her an edge as she's won races from all positions whether that be leading, sitting on the speed or coming from a long way back.
"She's drawn barrier four and Amelia's Jewel has drawn out wide. Billy Egan knows her well and she can take up a good position, but I'll leave the tactics to Patrick and him as they usually get it pretty right," he said.
"She also knows The Valley. We are expecting a peak run, so we are looking to make a race of it with Amelia's Jewel."