Wyong trainer Tracey Bartley remains optimistic about the chances of Moana Jewel (NZ) (Ocean Park) who heads to Randwick on Saturday.
The daughter of Ocean Park will tackle the Benchmark 72 over 1400m.
Moana Jewel failed to worry the judge in three Spring assignments on dry tracks but she reinforced her credentials with a resounding win in the heavy going at Warwick Farm first-up.
“We hoped to have her right for the Tibbie Stakes at Newcastle last campaign but not much went right with her preparation and she never got there,” Bartley said.
“I was very happy with her win the other day and she was entitled to do that.”
Randwick is currently rated in the Good range but the Group-one winning trainer issued a warning that last year’s Provincial Championship runner-up could be just as effective on firmer tracks.
“She’s New Zealand bred and does like a bit of cushion but in saying that she’s also proven on top of the ground.”
