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Local best backed in open TAB Classic at Morphettville

Instant Celebrity has been best backed to win Saturday’s $502,250 Group 1 TAB Classic (Sangster Stakes) at Morphettville.

The Phillip Stokes-trained filly opened on the fourth line of betting at $11 but quickly displaced Sisstar as favourite and finds herself the $7 top elect in one of the most open Group 1 races of the season.

Adelaide foreman Tommy Stokes said barrier six was the one barrier owner Trevor Robertson requested for the three-year-old filly in what looms an enthralling contest.

“It just eases that pressure on race day,” Stokes said.

“It’s a very good field but our filly is no slouch so we’re really confident going into Saturday.”

Stokes said Instant Celebrity had derived plenty of benefit from her first-up effort when fourth in the Listed Redelva Stakes behind Muntaseera.

“She wasn’t quite wound-up last start, but having a run, plus a couple of gallops, have really put her in good stead for Saturday,’’ he said.

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Nine of the 17 runners are $12 or shorter in the 1200m fillies and mares feature, with SA mare Li’l Kontra one of the outsiders in the field at $34. Brett Prebble has booked to ride Li’l Kontra, who is drawn barrier eight.

“It’s worked out perfect,’’ Balfour said.

“I think she’s going into it as good as she can.”

Star Western Australian jockey William Pike will make the trip to Adelaide to partner Sisstar in the feature after he was cleared to travel by SA health officials following Perth’s three-day lockdown last weekend.

Pike has a huge book of eight rides including three for Godolphin head trainer James Cummings.

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