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By Tony Megahey

Prolific TAB Highway winner Keith Dryden intended to avoid a series clash with stablemates, highly promising Mighty Myrtle and Everido, into Saturday’s Rosehill Gardens episode but is having second thoughts.

Both bring compelling form lines and with multiple Group 1-winning jockeys to offset wide barriers, three-race winning mare Mighty Myrtle ($10 on TAB) in gate 14 with 56.5kg for Dylan Gibbons and Everido ($7) with 57.5kg for Regan Bayliss in barrier 10.

Mighty Myrtle (Rebecca Bronett Prag) lands the prize at Canberra. Image by Bradley Photographers

The $120,000 Country Class 3, 1400m is a support to a tremendous $10 million James Squire Golden Eagle.

The Highway again has the presence of the dominant series stables of Matt Dunn, Danny Williams, Dryden and Danielle Seib.

“My original thoughts were to go with Everido this Saturday and keep the mare for next week’s Highway but there’s a real chance she could be balloted out,” said the ACT veteran.

Dryden has one of the finest strike rates in the series per ratio of starters over several seasons with 30 plus series wins.

“I’m inclined to go with both while they’re guaranteed a run but we’ll have more discussions with owners before a final decision.”

Lightly raced Mighty Myrtle has shown distinct signs of genuine quality and versatility.

The Merchant Navy protege powered from last to win first-up at 1000m at Canberra two weeks ago after convincing wins last prep in May at Queanbeyan (1200m) and Moruya (1425m). Her last win was massive.

“Exceptional ability this mare, I like her a lot and the upside is there, but Everido had no luck when third at Warwick Farm last start in a 72 and city benchmark form is always a strong guide for Highways.”

While Everido has been competitive in two previous Highways, the fact he hasn’t been placed, suggests the new series blood with Mighty Myrtle is the way to go.

She’s three wins from just five starts while Everido is two from 12.

However, the mare’s extreme the wide barrier and her tendency thus far to be rearward is a drawback in a capacity field.

At present “The Gardens” is a good four track in overcast conditions.

View final fields with full form & race replays for Rosehill Gardens here