Loose Sally (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) has given trainer Shankar Muniandy a season to remember, and she will aim to cap it off in style when she heads to Riccarton on Saturday.
The three-year-old daughter of Turn Me Loose has won two of her five starts this season, highlighted by victory in last month’s Listed Dunedin Guineas (1600m) at Wingatui, giving her trainer back-to-back victories in his home feature.
She will be out to replicate that feat in Saturday’s Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Warstep Stakes (2000m), where she has drawn barrier 13 and will be ridden by Muniandy’s brother, Ruvanesh.
The pair ran on well to finish fifth in the Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton a fortnight ago, and Muniandy believes Saturday’s wider gate will be a big assist for his filly.
“She was fresh the other day and pulled hard from the back of the field and when she made a run she didn’t get much luck in the straight,” he said. “When she got clear air she stormed home.
“She has come through the race well.”
Muniandy said the step up to 2000m should be no problem for Loose Sally, and win, lose or draw, she’ll head for a break in preparation for the spring.
“She’ll definitely get the 2000m,” he said.
Loose Sally is currently the second elect with TAB bookmakers, sitting at a winning quote of $3.80, with Te Akau Racing’s Dream Of The Moon at the top of the market at $3.60.
On the undercard, stablemate Sabots D’Or is also favoured by the bookies in the Riccarton Park Function Centre Rating 65 (1800m), leading the market on $5.
The four-year-old Pierro mare was runner-up over 1400m at Wingatui last month before finishing sixth over a mile at Riccarton a fortnight ago, and Muniandy is confident of an improved performance this weekend.
“She ran a super race the other day,” he said. “She got back last and the Good3 track didn’t really suit her. We are stepping her up in distance, which will be ideal for her.” Muniandy will also be represented at the meeting by last-start winner Acesanjacks (NZ) (Ghibellines) and Unusual Affair (NZ) (Unusual Suspect) in the D Reynolds Electrical Rating 65 (1400m).