Phillip Stokes acknowledges Climbing Star (NZ) (Zoustar) will be stepping up to another level when she runs in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes at weight-for-age on Friday night at The Valley, but he’s upbeat about her chances. So much so that he’s giving a good push for punters who like value. “She’s 50-1 in the betting and I can see her running in the top four,” Stokes said. Last preparation, Stokes decided to keep Climbing Star to sprint races and this strategy paid off handsomely as she elevated herself to…
Day: 26 September 2024
Charlton hoping to avoid top mares with Good Banter
A benchmark race at Rosehill is the preferred starting point for Group winner Good Banter (NZ) (Tavistock). Taking on the likes of Tropical Squall and Amelia’s Jewel in the Golden Pendant is Plan B for Adrian Knox Stakes winner Good Banter, with connections hoping she can kick of her spring campaign on a softer note. The mare is safely in the field for Saturday’s Group 2, 1400m feature, but co-trainer Tom Charlton says their first preference is the Irresistible Pools and Spa Handicap (1400m) for which she is second emergency. “We put a last-minute acceptance in for the Golden Pendant because…