Perennial bridesmaid Rondinella (NZ) (Ocean Park) looks to have her best chance of nabbing a staying feature when she contests the Gr.2 Brisbane Cup (3200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
The John O’Shea-trained mare was prominent over the Sydney Carnival, finishing runner-up in both the Gr.2 Chairman’s Quality (2600m) and Gr.1 Sydney Cup (3200m).
She subsequently finished fourth in the Gr.3 Premier’s Cup (2400m) at Eagle Farm late last month and O’Shea said she didn’t appreciate the firm track.
“She felt the ground there the other day, no doubt, so we have just spent the first week getting her through that,” O’Shea told Racing HQ.
“She has bounced back really well and had a lovely gallop on Tuesday morning. She is a genuine two-miler. She has had two goes at the Sydney Cup and ran fourth and second.
“It (Brisbane Cup) has been the target race for her all along.
“We got a bit bamboozled by the weights. She has ended up at the top of the weights, which may or may not be a reflection of the quality of the race.
“Saturday presents a good opportunity for her to get back in the winner’s stall.”
Rondinella will carry the silks of South Auckland stud farm, Haunui Farm.
