Poker Star's the real deal

SPRINT champion POKER STAR renews rivalry with UPPA TUNE, spotting the United States-bred speedster 11lb in tomorrow's Lady Geeta Trophy.

The handicapper had penciled in UPPA TUNE five pounds lighter than POKER STAR following his five-length loss in February's Eileen Cliggott Memorial at 1300 metres.

However, trainer Harry Parsard has called in three-kilo claiming apprentice Bebeto Harvey to replace Shane Ellis, who had partnered the seven-year-old gelding when he sat level with POKER STAR at 126lb in February.

Though Harvey's apprentice claim has spun the scale UPPA TUNE's way, four-year-old POKER STAR has form, youth, and a great draw, widest in the six-horse field, to his advantage.

When the pair met in February, POKER STAR was quickest away, breaking from post-position one, but was immediately attacked by UPPA TUNE coming from stall four.

With CAMPESINO running the rail, UPPA TUNE sandwiched POKER STAR down the backstretch and kicked for home at the half mile, slightly startling his rival, who lost ground at that stage but quickly recovered to renew his challenge entering the straight.

POKER STAR took over a furlong and a half out and had enough left in the tank to quicken away when PHINEAS came with his run inside the final half furlong.

Well drawn at post-position one and running 11lb lighter, UPPA TUNE's game plan is clear - he'll be coming to make all with Harvey.

However, POKER STAR is no slouch and has matured tremendously, unbeaten since last October. Though he's giving away loads of weight, he should prevail in what will be a match race. Had he not lost ground at the half mile in February, he would have had another two lengths on UPPA TUNE at the wire.

UPPA TUNE doesn't like company on his shoulders coming off the home turn and won't be too far ahead of POKER STAR after four furlongs.