Southland mare Heidi Hi (NZ) (Roc De Cambes) will continue her build-up to a possible start in next month’s Gr.3 Martin Collins New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton when she tackles the Grand Casino (2200m) at Wingatui on Thursday.
Runner-up in her two starts already this preparation, the Roc De Cambes six-year-old steps up to a middle distance for the first time this preparation as Woodlands trainer Robert Dennis gets the mileage into her legs ahead of the Cup.
“That’s the aim. Whether we get there or not is a different story,” Dennis said.
“This is her first run back up over a staying trip, stepping up from a mile. Horses often take a run over a staying trip before they really see it out properly.
“She’ll run well. She’s certainly a top four chance but she will improve with this run under her belt.”
A winner of three of her 24 starts, Heidi Hi placed in the Wairio Cup (2200m) at Invercargill last preparation and has pleased Dennis with her two runs back over 1335m and 1600m.
“I’m really happy with what she’s done. She’s not a sprinter or miler but she’s put in two great efforts so far. It’s encouraging,” Dennis said.
“Alex (Dobrytskyi), who rides all her work, is happy with her. She did a bit of fast work today and he said she felt great so hopefully she’s ready to go for Thursday.”
Dennis will decide Heidi Hi’s spring pathway after her next start, which is likely to be back at Wingatui on November 1.
“We’ll see how she goes on Thursday but there’s an option to run on Melbourne Cup day over 2200m again and then hopefully on to the New Zealand Cup if we’re going well,” Dennis said.
“If not, we can stick to Rating 75 grade. There’s Rating 75 races for $60,000 and $70,000 on the first and last day of Cup week to look at – and that’s not to be scoffed at either.”
Christchurch jockey Kylie Williams will again take the ride on Heidi Hi, who is the only horse Dennis is currently training.
“She’s a quirky mare and Kylie really got her going last season,” Dennis said. “They get on like a house on fire. Kylie has stuck with her just about the whole way through.”
