Trainer Mark Walker is optimistic that his talented mare, Skew Wiff, can replicate her New Zealand success at Flemington this Saturday in the Group 2 Rose Of Kingston Stakes (1400m).
The Waikato Stud-bred four-year-old commenced her spring campaign impressively, securing a runner-up spot in the Group 2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) at Te Rapa in August and clinching her maiden Group One victory in the Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings last month.
Skew Wiff recently made the journey across the Tasman to join Te Akau Racing’s newly-established Cranbourne stable, and Walker is hopeful that she can contribute to the stable’s success in Victoria.
Despite carrying the Group One winners’ penalty, Walker emphasizes Skew Wiff’s credentials, stating, “She carries the Group One winners’ penalty, but she has earned it, she is a Group One winner, and we think that she is a nice mare.”
“She did have all favours in the Tarzino; she had a nice draw. She has a very short sprint, and Opie (Bosson) tactically rode a brilliant race to hold her up as long as he could.”
Skew Wiff’s notable performances in the Group 1 NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m), Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m), and Group 2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m) last year highlighted her potential, and Walker believes she could be well-suited for the A$10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) in Sydney next month.
“She was placed in a couple of Group One races as a three-year-old, but probably 1400m is her pet trip, and if she went well enough (on Saturday), we would consider going up to Sydney for the Golden Eagle.”
In other stable news, Walker reports that Imperatriz, the stable star, is in good form following her victory in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at The Valley.
She is on track to compete in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) later this month.
“She was a little bit scratchy the next day but by Sunday she was pretty good and was pretty bouncy again, so we are really happy,” said Walker.
“It (Manikato) should be really good for her. She is pretty versatile, as a three-year-old she won up to a mile, so 1200m will be a perfect fit.”
Walker plans for Imperatriz to familiarise herself with Flemington, stating, “She will probably go and have a look at Flemington one morning; we are hoping (prior to the Manikato).”
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