Miki's Deal the one to beat in today's Southern Oaks heat

By Jonny Turner 

She’s done it the wrong way, now she’s just got to do it the right way.

There were no two ways about Miki’s Deal’s emphatic win in the Group 2 Caduceus Club Ladyship Stakes at Alexandra Park recently.

Now the three-year-old is back on her home patch with a new challenge in her sights.

Following her big northern win, the filly will start favourite for Thursday’s Southland Oaks heat (Race 7 - 5.42pm) at Ascot Park.

Trainer Brett Gray goes into the race pleased with Miki’s Deal, but with just one slight query.

“Her work since she has come home has been good and I am pretty happy with her.”

“Probably the only thing is she hasn’t gone around Invercargill much.”

“She trialled there last year, but otherwise she has stuck to the bigger tracks.”

“It shouldn’t be a worry, but she is better the other way around.”

“It will be interesting, but I am happy with her and she should go pretty good.”

Gray has a two-pronged attack on Thursday’s Oaks heat with Havtimewillfly starting alongside Miki’s Deal.

The filly disappointed in her last at Gore after an outstanding run of form.

“I do think she will run a lot better race this week.”

“We have changed her work around a little bit and she’s been working quite good.”

Gray also has Blaze Lightening and Jaccka Elvis going head to head at Ascot Park on Thursday (Race 2 - 3.20pm).

“They both went really good at Winton last week.”

“It was good to see Jaccka Elvis back to his best, it is a step up this week but he should handle it pretty well.”

“Blaze Lightening is in a really good space at the moment, he was great running second the other day.”

“They both should be pretty good chances.”

In yet another two-horse line-up, Gray starts Haley Jaccka and Anita Mary in Thursday’s Southern Belle Speed Series heat (Race 9 - 6.40pm).

Haley Jaccka was third in last weekend’s Group 3 Champagne Stakes, while Anita Mary led and faded late.

“Haley Jaccka has backed up before and gone pretty good so we are hoping she can do the same.”

“Anita Mary is going better than her last couple of starts, so hopefully she can be a bit of an improver.”

Harness 5000 placegetter Our Twinkle is also among the Gray stable’s line-up at Ascot Park.

The pacer will strip fitter for his last start seventh at Winton.

“He had a freshen up and he is coming back to it now.”

“His work this week has been good and if he gets any luck from the draw he should be an each-way chance.”

Gray also starts High Return and Daisymerollin in maiden company on Thursday.