Matilija & Miniver Seek Typhoon Impact

Time/Date - 21.15hrs local time/Friday, February 27, 2015 Racecourse/Country - Moonee Valley/Australia Surface/Distance - Turf/6f

Matilija and Miniver step up to Group Three level for the Simpson Construction Typhoon Tracy Stakes over six furlongs at Moonee Valley, Australia, on Friday, February 27.

Both three-year-old fillies are aiming for a third straight win with Matilija (Lee & Anthony Freedman/Ben Melham) having got up on the line for a nose success in a five-furlong handicap at the same course and distance on February 6, her first start for nearly a year.

The daughter of Medaglia d'Oro made an impressive debut when taking a maiden, also over five furlongs at Moonee Valley, by two lengths in February, 2014.

Miniver (John O'Shea/Chad Schofield), a daughter of Bernardini, makes a quick reappearance after running on well for a head victory in a Sandown-Lakeside handicap over six furlongs on February 18.

She won a six-furlong maiden comfortably at Moonee Valley on January 30 and was runner-up in a pair of maidens in August and September.

Anthony Freedman commented: "Matilija has drawn quite handily in barrier six here. This is going to be a true black-type race with some extremely promising fillies in the field including the unbeaten Sistonic.

"We couldn't be happier with our filly - she worked brilliantly on Tuesday morning and going forward to this race we couldn't have her any fitter. I am sure she is going to run a great race."

John O'Shea said: "Miniver is coming to a lovely peak and has drawn a beautiful gate (four) in a race where there is an abundance of speed. I think this will play into her hands.

"She is going to run a strong six and have the opportunity to sit on the speed and come late. This is a terrific chance for her to gain some black type.

"This is a much stronger version of this race than I had anticipated but she is right at the top of her game and if ever she is going to be competitive in a race of this nature, it is going to be here."

Matilija and Miniver face seven other three-year-old fillies including Sistonic, who is unbeaten in two starts, plus Group Three seconds Royal Snitzel and Eloping.