Riccarton trainer Lance Robinson will head south to Ashburton with a dozen runners on Thursday, including last start winner Adannaya (NZ) (Niagara), who is readying for a stakes assignment.
The stakes performer has been freshened since her last start victory over 1200m at Wingatui in February and will kick-off her autumn preparation in the Greg Jones Memorial (1300m).
The daughter of Niagara, who was runner-up in the Listed Hazlett Stakes (1200m) at Wingatui on Boxing, will be hoping to go one better when she lines-up in the Listed Daphne Bannam Memorial Great Easter Stakes (1400m) at Riccarton later this month, and Robinson believes Thursday’s test will be the perfect lead-in race.
“She has had a nice break since her last win and she is well-weighted (54kg) on Thursday. She will run well but the race will clean her up nicely for the 1400m Easter Stakes,” Robinson said.
Robinson is also upbeat about the chances of stablemate Forever Babe (NZ) (Per Incanto), who takes three consecutive placings into the Entain – NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1400m).
“Forever Babe has been running really well,” he said. “She is a very fast horse, but I just think 1400m around a corner will really suit her. She has a good draw (5) and should be hard to beat.”
Three-year-old filly Written Off (NZ) (Ghibellines) will be out to make the perfect start to her racing career when she makes her debut in the Supporting Kai For Kids (1200m).
“Written Off is a first starter and has trialled up really nice,” Robinson said. “She had a couple of seconds at the trials. She will benefit with the experience, but she will run alright. She is a nice filly, I like her quite a bit.”
Robinson is also looking forward to lining up Devil In Disguise (NZ) (Mongolian Khan) in the Gilbert Butterick Memorial (2200m), Delphillius (NZ) (Rageese) in the Wide Span Sheds (1200m), and In Awe (NZ) (Swiss Ace) in the Agraforum Growing Innovation (1600m).
“Devil In Disguise has come through his last start really well,” he said. “He should have won his last start, he was a bit stiff, was held up at the wrong time and was late getting clear. He has done really well since then and I expect him to be pretty hard to beat.
“Delphillius has done well since her last run and I think she has improved since then. Jasmine (Fawcett, jockey) takes the ride again and knows her well. She liked the run last start so hopefully she should run well.
“In Awe ran fifth the other day fresh-up. He has a good draw (2) and will run well.”
