In the highly anticipated Listed Matamata Cup (1600m) this Saturday, the formidable mare Aquacade is set to kick off an exciting spring campaign.
Trained by Lance Noble, the daughter of Dundeel enjoyed a stellar four-year-old season, clinching victories in the Group 2 Avondale Cup (2400m) and the Dunstan Stayer’s Championship Final (2400m).
Despite being fresh-up over a mile, Noble expressed confidence in Aquacade’s readiness for the challenge.
Noble mentioned, “She’s had two nice trials that we were happy with, but with the wet weather last week the Cup has come up really strong, so she’ll improve with whatever she does, and we’re pretty happy with her at this stage.”
The mare faces tough competition, including Group One-winning mares Legarto and La Crique, along with quality geldings like White Noise and last year’s Matamata Cup victor, Paisley Park.
Aquacade, currently priced at +800 and the third favourite for the Matamata Cup, is expected to use this race as a stepping stone for a potentially lucrative campaign.
Noble has his sights set on the Group 3 Counties Cup (2100m) next month, followed by a freshening period for the Group 1 Zabeel Classic (2050m) on Boxing Day.
In addition to Aquacade, Noble will also feature Luberon, a joint second favorite at +700 for the Group 1 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton next month.
Luberon started her three-year-old campaign with a bold win at Te Rapa and will face her own age group at Matamata.
Noble sees this race as a crucial guide for determining the filly’s future path, with a strong showing potentially leading to the Group 2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) on October 28.
Noble’s third runner at the Matamata meeting is Iffin Doubt Dance, a consistent daughter of Iffraaj. While acknowledging that the 1400m might be short of her best distance, Noble expects a bold performance given her positive trial form.
Reflecting on his stable’s recent success, Noble highlighted the impressive victory of lightly-raced four-year-old Dazzled at Tauranga on Wednesday, emphasising the thriving form of his Karaka stable.
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