Top mare Snazzytavi is ready to kick off her summer campaign, which will revolve around further Group One weight-for-age opportunities.
Under the guidance of Matamata trainers Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall, the Cambridge Stud-raced daughter of Tavistock has swiftly moved through the grades to establish herself as an elite-level performer.
An effortless winner of the Group 3 Easter Handicap (1600m) earlier this year, she went to another level in the spring to romp away with the Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m).
Snazzytavi subsequently enjoyed time out and has pleased Richardson with her progress since rejoining the stable ahead of her return in Saturday’s Group 2 Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m) at Te Rapa.
“We tipped her out for a freshen up and she’s had a quiet trial and she’s a very happy horse,” he said.
The five-year-old won her 1000m heat at Taupo last month in the hands of regular rider Warren Kennedy who will be aboard again at the weekend.
“She’ll go on to the Zabeel Classic (Group 1, 2000m) and then we’ll aim at the Herbie Dyke Stakes (Group 1, 2000m),” Richardson said.
“What we do in between times I don’t know yet, maybe she could go back to a mile or we’ll trial her.”
The stable will also have another black-type contender at Te Rapa with Rocababy to step out in the Group 3 J Swap Sprint (1400m).
The El Roca mare has been in good touch this preparation with a runner-up finish on the course three runs back before she copped a torrid run when unplaced in the Group 3 Counties Bowl (1100m).
She then headed to Ellerslie at the end of last month and rounded off strongly to finish second over 1300m.
“She’s going very well, I’m really happy with her but it is a strong field,” Richardson said.
English jockey George Rooke has retained the ride after handling Rocababy in her last two appearances.
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