By Jonny Turner
Tony Stratford’s new recruits are clearly thriving in Southland.
Now the Gore trainer is hoping that translates to winning race day form at Ascot Park on Thursday.
Stratford is taking three runners to the Diamonds Day warm-up meeting, including a new addition to his stable in La Dama.
The six-year-old joined Stratford’s barn after producing ordinary form in Canterbury and Manawatu recently, but that looks set to change after two nice workout wins in Southland.
“I am not sure why she is so badly out of form,” Stratford said.
“Kevin Townley rang me and he thought she was worth a go in Southland.”
“She had been up to Manawatu and obviously didn’t handle it and her form in Canterbury wasn’t much better.”
“But since she has come down, I couldn’t fault her really.”
“Both of her workouts have been good, she has trotted along good.”
“We will find out a lot more at the races, but as I say, I can’t fault her.”
Cosmic Star will have his second start for the Stratford stable after a solid southern debut at Winton earlier this month.
After sitting parked throughout, the six-year-old fought on strongly to run fourth.
Stratford is hopeful his new recruit can produce an even better result with a little more luck.
“I don’t think sitting parked was ideal going by the feel of him.”
“He has probably got enough gate speed that he could get across them.”
“If he was able to get to the markers he would be a pretty good chance.”
“It is hard to believe he is a 30-start maiden, because he feels like a horse that will win one pretty quick.”
Stratford also starts Van Liberty at Ascot Park.
The pacer hasn’t had things go his way in his last two starts, after producing consistent efforts to start his campaign.
“He hasn’t had any luck, he was $1.50 favourite two starts ago and got left parked.”
“Then last start they ran 2.54 (for 2400m).”
“If things pan out for him, he most certainly can run in the top three.”
Blair Orange takes the reins behind all three of the Stratford team on Thursday.
