All key indicators point to proven winter performer Poser (NZ) (Ocean Park) going close to adding to her record at Tauranga on Saturday.
The Paul Pertab-trained mare will tackle the Seeka Kiwifruit Cup (2100m) third-up after a pair of solid lead-up performances while stablemate The Ugly Sister’s (NZ) (Tivaci) recent form has earned her a crack at the Listed Team Wealleans Tauranga Classic (1400m).
Poser’s five career victories including the Listed Rotorua Cup (2200m) have come on rain-affected going, she is a past winner on the track and hasn’t missed a beat ahead of her upcoming challenge.
“The more rain the better for her and she’s at the top of her game,” Pertab said.
“She’s certainly fit enough and I think she will be a really good chance.”
Poser was spelled after she was unplaced on a good track in the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) in the spring and returned to finish a resuming third over 1800m at New Plymouth and was then a gallant fourth over 2200m at Trentham.
While Pertab has no set winter plans, there are a number of options ahead of the daughter of Ocean Park after Saturday.
“She’s an older mare now and even though she’s sound, her riders and the vets are happy with her, you have to take it a day at a time,” he said.
“There are other suitable races coming up and she’s a grinding sort of mare who doesn’t have a turn of foot, so we just have to place her well.”
Poser has been ridden in all five of her career victories by Tegan Newman, who takes the reins again at the weekend.
Barnmate The Ugly Sister, who will be partnered by Sam Spratt, has been in sparkling form with three successes and two placings from her last five appearances to earn a crack at stakes level.
“It’s quite a strong field, there’s a bit of quality in there, and even though she’s consistent she’s going to have to bring her A-game,” Pertab said.
“Her work was very good the other day though and she’ll definitely be a chance if she gets some luck in the running.”
The Ugly Sister also holds a nomination for the Gr.3 Winning Edge Presentations Winter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton on August 3.
“As far as her broodmare worth goes, any black type whether it be down south or up here would add to her credentials. I’ll talk to the owner about it after Saturday,” Pertab said.
Raced by Taranaki breeder Graham Meredith, the Tivaci four-year-old is out of a half-sister to the dual Australian Group Two winners Ugachaka (NZ) (Danasinga).
