Trainer Shannon McLean and owner Rick McLean are hopeful of claiming more silverware with Broadways Best on Breeders Crown finals day
Entering the Tabcorp Australasian Breeders Crown semi finals, bookies would have been knocked off their stands had they offered black and white figures about Broadways Best to win the 3YO Fillies Final.
She'd already won Victoria's two richest races for her age group - the Victoria Oaks and Vicbred Super Series Final - and had her task made easier when the likes of Lauraella, For Dear Life and Sheer Royalty didn't make it to the heats.
But after being run down by Make Mine Cullen in her semi and coming up with a back-row draw for the $170,000 Group 1 final, punters can get $2.60 about the daughter of Village Jasper who is friendless with TAB Sportsbet.
Gisborne trainer Shannon McLean conceded things haven't gone to plan the last couple of weeks, but hasn't given up on his stable star.
"Obviously we were disappointed that she didn't win last week, because she had been touted as the best filly in Australia, but it's been a long season for her and the run was still good," McLean said.
"She's had a few injuries that would stop normal horses but she just keeps racing the way she has been and keeps coming. We've got great faith in her ability and know she'll do her best every start."
Broadways Best will start from gate 10 in the 2240m final that has classy pair Life Inthefastlane (one) and New York Fashion (two), defending champion Keppel Bay (four) and Australian Oaks winner Elixir (five) off the front.
Make Mine Cullen (nine), Group 1 winner Ima Spicey Lombo (10) and Kiwi visitor Our Imagine Me (12) form part of the back row in one of the strongest finals on the $1.55 million raceday.
Instead of moan about the barrier draw, McLean thinks the second-line draw could be beneficial as he didn't think Broadways Best appreciated racing in front from the 1200m in her semi.
"She can switch off when she gets to the front and looking at her record she's only ever won one race from in front and the rest have been sitting in the death or with a bit of cover," McLean said.
"I'll leave it up to Chris (Alford, driver) to see how the race unfolds. I'm sure she'll have to get up there at some stage, but we've tried a new bit of gear on her and we'll have that up our sleeve if she does have to go to the front early."
