Miss Layla (NZ) (Burgundy) is already a black-type winner on her home track and the talented mare will be given the opportunity to double her tally next month.
The daughter of Burgundy has been set for the Gr.3 Valachi Downs South Island Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) on March 23 and will further her preparation with an outing at Riccarton on Friday.
Miss Layla will spearhead local trainers Shane Kennedy and Anna Furlong’s presence at the meeting when she steps out in the ODT Southern Mile Qualifying Race (1600m) in the hands of apprentice Ngakau Hailey.
“There’s nothing really else for her so we have to run her in the Rating 75 race, but it’s good to get the claim (3kg) and get a bit of weight off her back,” Furlong said.
“We want to get her over a mile now and there wasn’t a lot else around that’s suitable for her.”
Last season’s Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Airfreight Stakes (1600m) winner has a sense of timing about her following a bold resuming run to finish runner-up in last month’s Listed Timaru Stakes (1400m).
She had been given a break following her third placing in the Gr.3 Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) in the spring.
“We kept her fresh for those other races and ultimately she’s heading toward the Breeders’ Stakes in March,” Furlong said.
Miss Layla will be opposed by stablemate Iffididit (NZ) (Iffraaj), who was unplaced last time out at Wingatui after being held up in the run home.
“It’s been a hard prep for him to be honest. He was at the races at Riccarton and was scratched after a bout of colic, it didn’t turn into too much which was lucky and he’s fine now,” Furlong said.
“He’s a really nice horse and has been quite unlucky. He’s got a beautiful draw and a top jockey (Warren Kennedy) on board and should be figuring in the finish.”
Kennedy will also partner Pierrogrine (NZ) (Pierro) in the Book A Suite For Autumn Racing Maiden (1600m).
“With the rail being out, it makes it hard for backmarkers to run on. He’ll come in a few spots and he probably wants to get over a bit further, but we’re looking forward to his chances,” Furlong said.
Tetbury (Tavistock) also has an awkward gate to contend with in the Christchurch Accommodation At West Fitzroy Maiden (1400m) with Samantha Wynne to guide the filly’s fortunes.
“She is bred for distance and was fresh up last time so she will be much better suited, even though she’s got a sticky draw,” Furlong said.
The stable’s representation is completed by Kudos De Sothys (NZ) (Darci Brahma) in the Kevin Daly Mowers Rating 65 (2000m) and Mister Goldie (NZ) (Almanzor) in the Moore Walker Davey Searells Accountants Maiden (2000m).
“We’re looking forward to getting Kudos De Sothys up to the 2000m and Mister Goldie hasn’t had a whole lot of luck and does need everything to go his way,” Furlong said.
“He has drawn well and had a trip to the beach earlier in the week with Miss Layla to spark him up so hopefully we get a good result from him.”
Kennedy will take the reins aboard Kudos De Sothys and Wynne is booked for Mister Goldie.
