SOUTH-WEST harness racing trainers Mattie Craven and Marg Lee are slightly optimistic about their chances in the Breeders Crown finals on Saturday night at Melton's Tabcorp Park.
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Craven, who trains out of Ecklin South, has Queen of Crime and Adebaran Tess running in the $80,000 three-year-old fillies, Kimble in the $300,000 two-year-old colts final, while Itzamajor Surprise and Gilded are set for the $50,000 four-year-old mares race.
Lee, also from Ecklin South, has Jilliby Nitro and Keayang Jackie in $200,000 races for three-year-old colts and geldings and three-year-old fillies.
Craven said it was exciting for the stable to have five runners in two group one and a group two race.
"It's a nice achievement for the stable. It's what we're all aiming for and we had a few more aimed at the series but it didn't go to plan for those ones," he said.
Lee said "it's a big thrill to make it, it's tough to get in to" the finals.
"Hopefully they both run well, they did in the semis last week," she said.
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Craven said if things go right for Queen of Crime and Adebaran Tess, with Sofia Arvidsson onboard, they would be good chances to salute or place in race three.
He added Kimble, who was bred in Terang by Chris and Jeanette O'Connor, Itzamajor Surprise and Gilded weren't big chances but with some luck could still get some favourable results in race five and 10.
Lee said Keayang Jackie was disappointing last week and after the race a vet found some mucus, which has since been cleared up.
The long-time trainer has been happy with Keayang Jackie's form but said the filly was in for a tough challenge again in race six.
The multiple group one winner added Jilliby Nitro was also in for a challenge in race seven.
Marg's son Jason will be in the sulky for both races which are over 2240 metres.
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