Riccarton trainer Andrew Carston has 12 runners heading to his home meeting on Saturday, including Gr.3 War Decree Stakes (1600m) hopeful Sorceress (NZ) (Showcasing).
The three-year-old daughter of Showcasing was runner-up last start in the Guineas Trial (1400m) at Riccarton earlier this month behind Karalino (NZ) (Zacinto) who subsequently finished runner-up in the Gr.3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m).
“It is a step up from her last race but she is a filly that has done nothing wrong,” Carston said.
“It will give us a line as to whether we run in the 1000 Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m) or step back. We are more than happy with her going into the race.”
Meanwhile, Group One goals have been put on hold for stable star Miss Federer (NZ) (Swiss Ace).
The winner of the Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) two starts back finished unplaced in the Barneswood Farm Stakes and Carston has now set his sights towards her next preparation.
“She is still in work and has pulled up really well from Saturday, but we have pulled her out of the 1000 Guineas,” Carston said.
“At this stage she will have one run at the New Zealand Cup meeting in the three-year-old 1400m on the middle day and that will give me a line on what we set her for next preparation.”
