Talented filly Impendabelle is poised for her three-year-old debut at Hastings this Saturday, following an impeccable preparation.
Trainer Tony Pike is set to lead a substantial team of runners, with Impendabelle taking center stage in the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) after delivering promising performances in her lead-up trials.
Pike’s stable will also be well-represented in the age group feature races, as Overdrawn and Full Moon Fever prepare to compete in the Listed El Roca-Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m).
Impendabelle, who secured victory in two out of four starts last season, including the Group 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1200m), concluded her campaign with a fifth-place finish in the Karaka Million 2YO (1200m).
Pike expressed confidence in Impendabelle’s readiness, stating, “She has trialled up nicely in hot heats against the Group One sprinters, and I was happy enough with both of them.
“Her work during the week has been pleasing, and she’s had a nice, long and slow build-up so she’s definitely forward enough to run a bold race.”
The trainer highlighted the favorable conditions for Impendabelle, with a good track at Hastings and a handy gate (six) playing to the filly’s advantage.
Pike added, “She maps to land just in behind the speed somewhere and, barring bad luck, should get her chance.”
Regarding future plans, Pike mentioned, “There are a few choices after this; we’ll get through Saturday and see how she pulls up and then hopefully map out a plan to Riccarton for the 1000 Guineas (Group 1, 1600m).”
While Overdrawn and Full Moon Fever have yet to secure their first victories, they come with strong placed form.
Pike commented on their potential, saying, “It’s probably interesting running maidens in it, and the top two are obviously class three-year-olds, but it looked like it may lack a bit of depth and our two are progressive types.”
Discussing Overdrawn, Pike noted, “In Overdrawn’s only run at Te Rapa (when third), if he had got some clear air and more luck, he would probably have got very close to Solidify.
“I don’t think he’s too far behind the better ones; he lacks experience but he is a good track horse.”
Full Moon Fever, on the other hand, has consistently finished in the money and displayed resilience in his races.
Pike remarked, “He had a tough trip and kept on closing, and if they go quickly he should be hitting the line hard with that run under his belt.”
As the Hawke’s Bay carnival kicks off, Pike will have nine runners in action, benefitting from improved weather conditions this spring. Despite facing competitive fields, Pike remains optimistic about his stable’s chances, stating, “They are good, competitive fields, and it will be hard to win a race, but we are expecting them all to run well.”
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