With Damien Oliver in the saddle, the Leon Macdonald trained mare proved too classy for her rivals and was given a Group One recommendation by her winning rider.

Oliver, who has had the Melbourne riding premiership wrapped up for over three months, felt the mare could be up to Moonee Valley’s feature sprint race in the upcoming Spring Carnival.

"You’d have to think she would be a chance in a race like the Manikato Stakes," Oliver said. "She seems to love it here and it looks a nice race for her."

A daughter of Dolphin Street, Shaye Spice is likely to race next in stakes class as her top form continues in Melbourne.

"Her next start will probably be in a listed race over 1200 metres at Caulfield on the 24^th of August," Macdonald’s Melbourne foreman Andrew Noblet said. "She likes her runs spaced, and she deserves her chance at stakes class."

Shaye Spice ($2.25-$2.80-$2.60 fav) has now won three of her past four starts, all at Moonee Valley, while she other run she finished a fighting second to the in form Aragonce a fortnight ago.

Points were awarded during the season for each time the horse started at Moonee Valley. Every time a horse ran at the track they were awarded one point. Winners received 10 points, runners-up five, third placegetters four, fourth placed performers three and fifth placed horses gained two points.

The owners of Shaye Spice, former Adelaide Magic Millions Manager Rob Monsma and Steve Thompson, have won a unique $2,500 trophy plus a dining package for six in the Dining Box.

The presentation for the Moonee Valley Horse of the Year as well as the Jumper of the Year will take place on August 17, the first meeting here in the new season.

Meanwhile, Noblet also reported that the stable’s exciting two-year-old prospect Great Glen was due to resume soon, along with proven stable stakes winners Li Lo Lill and Eagle Rhythm.

"Great Glen will have his first up run in the Wylie Handicap in Adelaide," Noblet said of the unbeaten runner who is being aimed toward the Ascot Vale Stakes in Melbourne.

Noblet also reported that the high class staying prospects, and rising four-year-olds, Eagle Rhythm and Li Lo Lill are back in work and getting close to resuming.

"We’re aiming both of them toward the Cups," Noblet added.

HORSE OF THE YEAR POINTS

Shaye Spice 69
Soviet Draw 51
Amandine 41
Mrs. Bently 34
Blue Wina 33
Gala Chief 31
Pindi Ridge 30
My Lavinia 29
Satashi 28
Badger’s Wood 25
Dandy Kid 25
Dark Wine 25

PICS - Quentin Lang.

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