Trainers Simon and Katrina Alexander are heading to Hastings with enthusiasm as they prepare for the first leg of the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival.
Last year, adverse weather conditions disrupted their mare La Crique’s spring preparation, but this time, they are grateful for the favourable weather forecast leading up to the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) on Saturday.
They believe the milder winter has been beneficial for their mare’s preparation, allowing them to train on suitable footing.
Katrina Alexander expressed her confidence, saying, “It is much more what we all want to see. It’s certainly a truer spring than what we had last year.”
She highlighted the contrast in La Crique’s preparation compared to the previous year when they struggled with wet galloping and training surfaces.
La Crique’s recent trial at Taupo further confirmed their optimism.
“The trial at Taupo confirmed we were on the right track with her,” Alexander said.
“Craig Grylls (jockey) came over and galloped her this (Tuesday) morning.
“We did have rain overnight and into the morning, which made it a softish track, but she had a nice hit-out, and he was very happy with her when he got off.
“We believe she is moving better now than what she was during her prep last time.”
However, the Alexanders are well aware of the strong competition they’ll face, including multiple Group One winners like Sharp ‘N’ Smart, Legarto, Pennyweka, and Callsign Mav.
Katrina Alexander acknowledged, “It is a strong line-up. It is a true field of what you would expect.”
Regarding their future plans, she mentioned, “Like a lot of others, we will wait to see how we come out of it before deciding on what we plan to do next.
“We don’t have any immediate plans to go over to Australia. We have kept it very open-ended after the Tarzino as to what happens next.
“We will just have to see where she sits after Saturday and make a plan after that.”
In addition to their preparations, the Alexanders are pleased with their recent move to Te Awamutu, noting the benefits of a quieter and more economical environment for their stable.
“I thought there were horses amongst ours that would benefit from the quieter atmosphere, and that seems to be the case,” said Katrina Alexander.
“The key horses that we have that are ready to go early have all slotted in and have been eating well and missed no work.”
She also mentioned their successful trials at the new location, saying, “We had a set of trials here last week and lined-up five runners and had three winners, so that was a good indicator that they are progressing well. I think it has been a good move.”
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