Jimmie, Star Racing Writer

UNBEATEN in her last seven races, Horse of the Year SAINT CECELIA returns off a two-month lay-up in what should be a match race with United States-bred three-year-old filly NOON IT IS in the 1100-metre eighth event for the She's On Wheels Trophy.

Neither has raced since June 16 when SAINT CECELIA showed her class by overcoming interference from RIO COBRE to uncharacteristically storm from off the pace to beat BLASTTHEMAWAY at 1300 metres.

NOON IT IS was quietly fancied at 4-1, having racked four straight victories, all in fast times, heading into the event. However, as classy as she is, even with 50.0 kilos, getting 16lb from SAINT CECELIA, she was no match for the local-bred six-year-old champion mare and finished third, beaten six and three quarter lengths.

The handicaps remain the same tomorrow and the distance reduced, virtually handing the She's On Wheels Trophy to her daughter, the speedy SAINT CECELIA, who won the race last August in an incredible 1:03.4.

Lightning-fast

Shane Ellis is back aboard the lightning-fast mare, the Usain Bolt of local racing, and she simply won't be beaten, making her the biggest five-star banker there can be.

Form players should have a good day as UPPA TUNE appears to be a cinch in the first, whereas DIABOLICAL KID and Wayne DaCosta's CLASSY PROSPECT should also be unsaddled in the winners' enclosure.

UPPA TUNE was ambushed in a tag team last time out when hunting back-to-back wins, knotting up on the lead with BRILLIANT LAD before stablemate DOUBLE BUTTON pounced.

The United States-bred colt has an easier task this time around and should not find 1820 metres a problem, having finished six lengths behind Derby winner TYPEWRITER at the distance in May.

DaCosta's DIABOLICAL KID has been developing a good five-furlong straight resume, landing three of his four victories this season at the distance, losing only to MR SKILL.

DaCosta's CLASSY PROSPECT was slowly away and ran off his legs at 1200 metres on July 21 when beaten by SIR D and PALACE GUARD, quite a contrast to his previous effort, beaten in a driving finish by REASONABLE PRESS at a mile.

It appears as though, as a five-year-old, the gelding now prefers a long pace race instead of a dash and seven furlongs should be right up his street. Carrying 52.0 kilos, he should again bet the better of ERASMO who was absolutely outsped by him at a mile back in July.