Last-start Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) victor, Skew Wiff, has taken her last race in New Zealand for the foreseeable future.
Co-trainer Mark Walker confirmed that the mare is set to depart for Te Akau’s Cranbourne base early next month.
Skew Wiff secured her first Group One crown at Hastings on September 9, defeating a star-studded field that included Sharp ‘N’ Smart and Legarto.
She recently appeared at Matamata for a quiet exhibition gallop, guided by her regular rider Opie Bosson.
“She was nice and relaxed for her and feels good,” said Bosson.
Mark Walker, who shares training duties with Sam Bergerson, mentioned that Skew Wiff might have another exhibition gallop at Te Rapa before her Trans-Tasman journey the following Tuesday.
Skew Wiff, owned by Waikato Stud and sired by their Champion stallion Savabeel, is now set to pursue Australian riches during the Melbourne and Sydney spring carnivals.
Her campaign will commence with the $300,000 Group 2 Rose of Kingston Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on October 7.
“She’s valuable already, but if she gets black type there (Australia) and potentially a Group race win, then she’s worth a lot of money to Waikato Stud,” emphasised Walker.
If Skew Wiff performs well at Flemington, the plan is to take her to Sydney for the Golden Eagle.
This decision aligns with the success Waikato Stud achieved in the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) last year with former Te Akau runner I Wish I Win.
The 2023 edition of this top-flight four-year-old event is scheduled for November 4 at Rosehill.
“With the set-up now at Cranbourne, it’s good we can facilitate these races and options,” noted Walker.
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