Genuine filly Renovations (NZ) (Ardrossan) will face a distance test at New Plymouth on Saturday and connections are confident she can rise to the challenge.
The daughter of Ardrossan, who has been racing well in good company this preparation, will step up in trip when she tackles the Listed Grangewilliam Stud Oaks Prelude (1800m).
Renovations was a two-year-old winner last season and finished runner-up in the Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes (1400m) before a break.
Since her return, she has been around the mark in prestigious events when fourth two runs back in the Gr.3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m) and third in the Gr.3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m).
“She probably lacks a bit of class, but she is doing a good job and picking up that valuable black type and that’s what she’s there for,” trainer Cody Cole said.
“We were a month between runs last start and she raced a little bit keener than she has.
“She doesn’t have a long sprint and had to get moving a bit earlier than we wanted in the Desert Gold and the last 100m told.”
Renovations holds a nomination for the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) and Saturday will provide a further insight into her Classic prospects.
“She does usually relax well, and New Plymouth should suit her with not such a long run in as Trentham,” Cole said.
“I thought it was a nice option with Te Rapa (Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic, 2000m) likely to be red hot.
“This will be a peg below and a chance to stretch her out in trip and see how she copes, I don’t think the 1800m will be a problem for her.”
Cole will also have a decent winning chance on the undercard with promising El Roca three-year-old Atmospheric in the Warner Construction MAAT (1400m).
“He won quite nicely at Tauranga last time out, he’s a horse that has taken a bit of time and has only had three starts for a couple of placings as well,” he said.
“The way he won the other day really impressed us and I think he is well capable of going on with it, he’ll be even better as a four-year-old.”
Also heading south is Wet ‘N’ Wild (NZ) (Ocean Park) in the Revital Fertilisers (1200m) and a return to her best form would see the Ocean Park mare competitive.
“She pulled up with a couple of issues in her last two runs, but her first-up effort was really good,” Cole said.
“She ran second to Acquarello, who came out and won a stakes race, and on her day she’s good and hopefully we’ll see the best version of her.”