O'Shea has eyes only for Claire

Friday 28 September 2012, 1:13pm

Ensuring all the boxes are ticked for Colorado Claire is John O'Shea's only concern as the mare prepares to do battle with More Joyous at Rosehill on Saturday.

At $1.04 in TAB fixed odds' early markets, More Joyous is set to start one of the shortest-priced Sydney favourites in recent history when she steps out in the Group Three Golden Pendant (1400m).

Colorado Claire is on the second line of betting at $16 ahead of Skyerush ($51), Forarainyday ($71) and Delzera ($101).

O'Shea knows the result is almost a fait accompli but his focus is firmly on giving his mare every opportunity to produce her best - even if it won't be quite good enough.

"I'm under no illusions about the favourite but I'm still happy with my horse," O'Shea said.

"We'll ride our own horse like we normally ride her, put her in the race and let it unfold."

Colorado Claire finished fifth to More Joyous first-up in the Sheraco Stakes (1200m) when she settled just behind a slow speed and over-raced.

O'Shea is determined to have her ridden more aggressively from her outside draw on Saturday.

"We probably rode her a bit negatively to be honest," O'Shea said.

"We would have been better off having her outside the leader or leading.

"It was a slow run race and she over-raced which didn't help."

The good news for O'Shea is that More Joyous will head to Melbourne after the Golden Pendant.

Colorado Claire will stay in town for the Listed Angst Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on October 13.

"That's a good race for her. We will wait and see what we do after that," O'Shea said.

The Randwick trainer will also saddle up Don't Blink in the Listed Reginald Allen Quality (1200m) on Saturday's program.

She was doing her best work late when fourth to Ichihara in the Heritage Stakes (1100m) last start when she drew the outside.

"She's coming out of a strong race," O'Shea said.

"If she'd drawn a gate she would have probably run into the money."

Don't Blink has the inside alley on Saturday with Jason Collett to ride while James McDonald partners Colorado Claire.

– AAP

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