In the upcoming Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings, Legarto is carrying the weight of being the favourite.
This daughter of Proisir recently triumphed in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) during her last race and comes into the weekend with a couple of trial placings under her belt.
Trainers Ken and Bev Kelso express their satisfaction with Legarto’s condition as she prepares for her first race of the season, showing no signs of being burdened by the favorite’s status.
Ken Kelso commented, “We are very happy going into the race. Her work was very good on Tuesday morning, so all systems are go.
“There is still improvement in her. She is forward enough to go a good race, but it will certainly bring her on.
“It is not her grand final, but we are happy enough going into the race.”
Despite being confident in Legarto’s prospects, Kelso remains cautious about the strong competition she faces.
He noted, “It is a very good field. I think it is one of the best Tarzino Trophy’s that has been assembled for some time, with a fair bit of Australian form in it as well.
“The track looks like it is going to be perfect, so that is a big help.”
Notably, Legarto will don the Hawke’s Bay Cancer Society silks, and if she emerges victorious, TAB will contribute $2,000 to the local charity.
Looking ahead, Legarto’s future includes a return to Hastings later in the month before venturing to Australia to compete for substantial prize money.
Ken Kelso outlined the plan, stating, “All going well, the plan is to go back for the Arrowfield (Group 1, 1600m), and the Golden Eagle (A$10 million, 1500m) is probably the main target of the spring in Sydney.”
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