Surprise packet eyes stakes victory
Physique and pedigree didn’t point to Grocer’s Girl (NZ) (Tarzino) emerging as a two-year-old black-type prospect, but stakes success now beckons in her final appearance of the season.
The Tony Pike-prepared daughter of Tarzino has been unlucky in two starts to date and will look to turn her fortunes around in the Listed Cloudsoft Accounting Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Ellerslie.
“She has surprised us to be fair, she’s a lovely, big scopey type with natural ability and because of that she’s come to it a lot earlier than what we originally thought,” the Cambridge-based trainer said.
Grocer’s Girl has jumped from the outside barrier in both of her appearances, finishing strongly for second on debut at Ellerslie and then suffered an interrupted run when fifth in the Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes (1400m).
“She’s a pretty promising filly and has obviously had no luck with barrier draws to date,” Pike said.
“She should have gone close to winning at Te Rapa and got held up pretty much the whole straight and never really got clear.
“She is very talented going forward and the mile looks ideal for her on Saturday.”
Grocer’s Girl will again have to contend with the widest gate but is only opposed by five rivals and Samantha Collett will continue her association with the filly.
“That will be it for her after Saturday and she will go to the paddock for a month or so,” Pike said.
“Then we’ll get her ready for the spring with some of the nice three-year-old fillies’ races in mind a little bit deeper into the season.”
Meanwhile, promising three-year-old Ashoka (NZ) (Hello Youmzain) is in good touch ahead of the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Handicap (1300m), as is Pure Lotus for the My Racehorse Maiden (1200m).
“Both are in really good form and very close to wins,” Pike said.
“Ashoka is still quite an immature horse, but he’s been very consistent all the way through.”
The son of Hello Youmzain finished runner-up on the course at his latest appearance while Pure Lotus (Lean Mean Machin) was also a most recent second at Ellerslie.
The stable’s other runner is Astoria Brooke (American Pharoah) in the Kingmakers “Become A Principal Owner’ Handicap (1300m).
The American Pharoah mare has won four of her 13 appearances and is expected to be one to follow over more ground through her campaign.
“Obviously, Astoria Brooke is first-up for the stable and the race is probably a bit sharp for her, but it’s a starting point for this preparation,” Pike said.
