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Gardner’s two Miss’s take on the Sprinters Cup

Norm Gardner tasted success in the first and only running of the Glen Mia ACT Saddlery Sprinters Cup (1206m) 12 months ago and looks a great chance of going back-to-back.

Friday is Acton Track Grand Final Day at Thoroughbred Park and will see the running of both the Sprinters Cup and the Polytrack Stayers Cup, both strong Open Handicap contests.

Gardner’s Devine Miss won the inaugural Sprinters Cup a year ago and is entered on Friday for another tilt.

Apprentice Olivia Chambers will take the ride on Devine Miss, which will see her carry just 53.5kg.

“She’s very well in at the weights.” Gardner said. 

“She’s going just as good as last year when she won the race, she really likes this synthetic track.

“She’s had a few hoof issues so this soft and forgiving surface is perfect for her.”

Devine Miss has seen the Acton Track four times for two wins and a third. Similarly, her stable mate Miss Ostend is no slouch on the synthetic having had two second placings from her only two starts on it.

“She’s drawn beautifully and has been racing well.” Gardner said.

“We’ll likely ride her a little bit quietly compared to last start and I think that will suit her here.”

Miss Ostend was unlucky here two starts back when second behind Tulla Park, a key rival on Friday.

Both of Gardner’s chances look solid chances in a race that has attracted a full field plus 6 emergencies.

“Both are going well enough to win.” Gardner said. “If we run 1st and 2nd, I don’t mind which way they finish.”