Top mare Snazzytavi(NZ) (Tavistock) is ready to kick off her summer campaign, which will revolve around further Group One weight-for-age opportunities.
Under the guidance of Matamata trainers Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall, the Cambridge Stud-raced daughter of Tavistock has swiftly moved through the grades to establish herself as an elite level performer.
An effortless winner of the Gr.3 Easter Handicap (1600m) earlier this year, she went to another level in the spring to romp away with the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m).
Snazzytavi subsequently enjoyed time out and has pleased Richardson with her progress since rejoining the stable ahead of her return in Saturday’s Gr.2 Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m) at Te Rapa.
“We tipped her out for a freshen up and she’s had a quiet trial and she’s a very happy horse,” he said.
The five-year-old won her 1000m heat at Taupo last month in the hands of regular rider Warren Kennedy who will be aboard again at the weekend.
“She’ll go on to the Zabeel Classic (Gr.1, 2000m) and then we’ll aim at the Herbie Dyke Stakes (Gr.1, 2000m),” Richardson said.
“What we do in between times I don’t know yet, maybe she could go back to a mile or we’ll trial her.”
The stable will also have another black-type contender at Te Rapa with Rocababy(NZ) (El Roca) to step out in the Gr.3 J Swap Sprint (1400m).
The El Roca mare has been in good touch this preparation with a runner-up finish on the course three runs back before she copped a torrid run when unplaced in the Gr.3 Counties Bowl (1100m).
She then headed to Ellerslie at the end of last month and rounded off strongly to finish second over 1300m.
“She’s going very well, I’m really happy with her but it is a strong field,” Richardson said.
English jockey George Rooke has retained the ride after handling Rocababy in her last two appearances.
On the undercard, Mi Bella(NZ) (Per Incanto) and Darci’s Angel(NZ) (Darci Brahma) will give the team a decent hand in the Comag Plumbing, Drainlaying and Roofing Hamilton Handicap (1300m).
The former deservedly broke her maiden last time out at Te Aroha following successive placings while Darci’s Angel most recently ran fifth at Tauranga and subsequently finished runner-up behind stablemate Snazzytavi at the Taupo trials.
Richardson said the pair were hard to split with Kennedy to again partner Per Incanto four-year-old Mi Bella while Matt Cartwright will be aboard the Darci Brahma’s daughter Darci’s Angel.
