Progressive Pierro mare Loch In Ora is in prime order to continue the run of black type success her connections have been enjoying.
New Plymouth trainer Allan Sharrock can’t fault the in-form five-year-old who heads north for Saturday’s Listed Matamata Veterinary Services Kaimai Stakes (2000m).
The pre-post favourite for the open handicap was bred by part-owner Christopher Grace and his familiar green and gold colours have been to the fore in recent feature events.
His Savabeel filly Hinekaha triumphed in the Listed Oaks Stud Prelude (1800m) at New Plymouth for trainer Andrew Forsman while Iffraaj mare Reputation, prepared by Pam Gerard, won the Listed Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m).
Reputation was ridden to victory by Lily Sutherland, and she continues her association with Loch In Ora this weekend.
“She’s going pretty well for Chris Grace after winning the Breeders’ Stakes the other day so she likes those colours and long may it continue,” Sharrock said.
Loch In Ora posted consecutive victories prior to Christmas before she finished a last-start third in the Gr.3 Taranaki Cup (1800m) behind the John Wheeler-trained Herbert.
“She has come through her Taranaki Cup runs well and I’d say she’s probably has improved off it,” Sharrock said.
“She hadn’t raced for six weeks and it was a nice effort, Wheels’ horse was pretty fit so I thought the run was very good.”
The step up in distance from New Plymouth will also be in the five-year-old’s favour.
“The 2000m looks to be her optimum distance and she’s drawn one,” Sharrock said.
With five wins and two placings from nine starts, Loch In Ora has the tidy record of five wins and two placings from her nine appearances and future black-type opportunities await her post this weekend.
“The fillies and mares’ races in the autumn like the Travis Stakes (Gr.2, 2000m) and the Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (Gr.3, 2100m) are nice options for her later on,” Sharrock said.
“We’ll get through Saturday and then work it out from there. She’ll probably be fully mature next season, but she’s doing a good job and her winning strike rate is pretty good.”
Loch In Ora will be accompanied north by stablemates Bridal Train (Westbury Stud 1600) and Tavi Ann (Gavelhouse 2000).
“Bridal Train was probably the unlucky runner (when fourth) in the Douro Cup and with Triston Moodley on she’ll drop 2kg and she looks nicely placed,” Sharrock said.
“They’re both genuine horses and have been doing a good job for us.”
Tavi Ann will be ridden by Craig Grylls and was a last-start second at Wanganui behind subsequent Taranaki Cup winner Herbert.
