Foxton trainer Chrissy Bambry has a quiet confidence ahead of Saturday’s Gr.1 Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) where she will saddle last-start winner Chantilly Lace (NZ) (U S Navy Flag), who is currently a $21 prospect.
The daughter of U S Navy Flag won over 1200m at Wanganui last month, having been luckless a start prior when third to Tulsi (The Autumn Sun), who is the clear $6 second-elect for the Group One juvenile contest.
Chantilly Lace missed an assignment at Trentham on New Zealand Oaks Day but has since trialled well when second under a hold at Foxton to have her spot on for the Sires’.
“She had a bit of a hiccup before Wellington hence why we scratched her. We were playing a little bit of catch up with her, but she trialled up nicely and has worked well since. I’m looking forward to seeing her over 1400m,” Bambry said.
“The way she works — in her trials and jump outs and even in her races — she relaxes beautifully and she has hit the line really strong. She has got a great attitude and racing style and I think she should just lap up the 1400m.”
Bambry, who races the filly in partnership with her parents Tony and Judith, said she has some similarities to her Group Three winner Bellacontte (NZ) (Burgundy).
“She is really professional and just loves her job,” Bambry said.
“She’ll go into the race very well. The opposition are only one or two win horses and she’s probably as professional and qualified to be there as the rest of them. It’d be nice to finish in the first three.”
Vinnie Colgan will ride Chantilly Lace from barrier 5, with Bambry keen to see her ridden forward of midfield.
“Vinnie should be able to sit just in behind the pace and hopefully come over the top,” she said.
The Manawatu horsewoman will have up to five runners at Awapuni on Saturday, with Opawa Jack (NZ) (War Decree) looking to bounce back from a below-par performance in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) when he tackles the Gr.3 Higgins Concrete Manawatu Classic (2000m).
“He had a week off after the Derby. It probably didn’t suit us having to lead and he’s still got a lot to learn,” Bambry said. “Hopefully something else will lead. I’m just a bit cautious of the rain forecast for Saturday because he needs a really firm track.
“He won a jumpout on a firm track and he’s back working well. He’s just quite baby-like in his mind so probably needs a good drag into it.”
The stable will also saddle Sergio (NZ) (Swiss Ace) in the Listed Bramco Granite & Marble Flying Handicap (1400m) and Bambry believes he is over a few niggles after he hung when unplaced at Te Rapa last start.
“I’m a big believer that horses come into form at the same time every year and it’s getting to his time of year,” she said.
“I’ve been rapt with him since he came home from Te Rapa. He had a few little niggles but I think we’re on top of them now but it’s a very strong field.”
Bambry will also send out Acting Up (NZ) (Showcasing) and Kingfisher Lad (Unencumbered) on the undercard.
“Acting Up is a mare that I really like, obviously stepping back in grade and she’s worked very well so I’m really happy with her, while Kingfisher Lad is resuming and will be looking for further,” Bambry said.
