Roch ‘N’ Horse’s (NZ) (Per Incanto) campaign to defend her crown in the Gr.1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) is back on track.
The Per Incanto mare was withdrawn from last Saturday’s Gr.1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) on vets advice due to cellulitis in her hind leg.
Trainer Michael Moroney said she is back to full health and was pleased with her work at Flemington on Wednesday ahead of the Gr.1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Sandown on Saturday.
“She needed one (hit-out) and I wanted to see that she was through the little problem that we had. She worked really well,” Moroney said.
“She looks terrific. She is a big, powerful mare now. I can now see why she is such a good sprinter because she has got a lot of muscle on her now.
“It was a hard watch for us on Saturday to see all of the horses that we have beaten run so close to the winner. That is now behind us and I still think we did the right thing, erring on the side of caution.
“Saturday should still be a nice lead in to the Newmarket.”
