Trainer John Blackadder is hopeful the long trek to Omoto racecourse from his Rangiora base will pay a winning dividend when he lines-up consistent mare Kahma Suitsya (NZ) (Tavistock) in the feature event there on Wednesday, the Recreation Hotel Greymouth Cup (2000m).
The four-year-old daughter of Tavistock, who started her career with part-owner Shaun Phelan in the north before transferring to Blackadder last July, has finished runner-up in her last two starts with her mentor keen to see her go one better before she heads to the paddock for a short summer break.
“She is only a one-win horse but she has shown a hell of a lot of improvement during this campaign,” Blackadder said.
“She has always had ability but could be quite inconsistent at times, however, she is really holding her form nicely at present.
“The best thing about her is her versatility as she can race anywhere in a field and she goes on most track conditions.
“I think she can go on with it during the autumn so she will probably go to the paddock for a couple of weeks after this one then we will start getting her ready for a new campaign.”
TAB Bookmakers have installed Kahma Suitsya as the $4.80 Fixed Odds favourite for the $40,000 contest in a field headed by 15-race winner Camino Rocoso (NZ) (Shocking).
Blackadder is also taking six-year-old Sweynesse gelding Telling Tales (NZ) on the trip with his stablemate and was encouraged by his performance to finish fourth at Kurow in his most recent run.
“He (Telling Tales) did a lot of work during the run last time and he didn’t chuck it away in the home straight,” he said.
“He is fourth up and should be ready to peak now and he is another who can handle a wet track, which is what we are likely to strike as it is currently rated a Heavy8.
“I’d like to hope we have two nice chances and I’ve told them that I’m the one going for the picnic as they have a job to do.”
Telling Tales will contest the Rating65 Greg Daly Real Estate (1500m) which is the last event on the eight-race programme.
