Rain Affair ready to break losing streak in Missile Stakes

Joe Pride’s speed machine Rain Affair is set break a sixteen month losing streak when he lines up in the Group 3 $125,000 Missile Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.

rain affair

Rain Affair hasn't tasted victory since winning the Challenge Stakes at Rosehill in March 2012. Photo by Steve Hart.

Rain Affair last graced the winner’s stall back in March 2012 with one of his customary speed displays which saw him lead all of the way in the Group 2 $175,000 Parramatta Leagues Club Challenge Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill.

But Pride knows his next win isn’t far away after the Commands six year old blitzed a smart field in an 800m Randwick barrier trial by over nine lengths last Friday.

“He needs a win big time. I don’t think this horse is ever going to give up on me, but a win would be nice for him and the connections, just to remind the camp he’s still got it there,” Pride told The Daily Telegraph.

“He’s an aggressive horse as we all know, but he also looks comfortable. He’s back to Randwick on Saturday, and it’s been well documented what order that track is in, which is perfect for us. Having Nash is also a bonus.”

Even though Rain Affair hasn’t tasted victory since March last year, he has performed creditably with four seconds at Group 1 level after doing all the hard work out in front.

In April last year he was beaten a head by Master Of Design in the Group 1 $1m Darley T J Smith Stakes (1200m) and followed that up with a second to Atlantic Jewel in the Group 1 $400,000 Yarraman Park All Aged Stakes (1400m), both at Randwick.

Rain Affair struggled in the Spring last year but was back on his game with a second to All To Hard in the this year’s All Aged Stakes in April then was runner-up to Your Song in the Group 1 $400,000 Bundaberg Distilling Co. BTC Cup (1200m) at Eagle Farm during the Brisbane Winter Carnival.

Nominations for The Missile Stakes include stablemate Title, grand sprinter Hay List, Oakleigh Plate winner Mrs Onassis, Group 1 winner Atomic Force, Centennial Park and Mic Mac.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.