Cambridge trainer Andrew Forsman is optimistic about his mare Mustang Valley’s chances in the upcoming Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m), particularly if the track conditions remain wet.
Mustang Valley showed promise in her campaign, with a notable sixth-place finish in the Group 2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m), narrowly missing victory by less than two lengths.
She then delivered a commanding performance at Taranaki, where Forsman decided to bypass the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m).
Forsman expressed confidence in Mustang Valley’s fitness, stating, “She’s improved a lot since Taranaki, she was only second-up so fitness-wise she’s pretty well spot-on now going up to a mile.”
The Hastings track was rated Heavy 10, with rain in the forecast for Saturday.
Forsman welcomed the wet conditions, as they play to Mustang Valley’s strengths: “The wetter the better for her,” he said.
“She handles most tracks whereas that makes it harder for a lot of her opposition.
“On a rain-affected track, she’s a real winning chance.”
Mustang Valley has a history of strong performances, finishing as the runner-up to La Crique in the second leg of the Hastings Triple Crown last year and securing a dominant win in the Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m).
She also notably placed fifth in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile at Randwick in April.
Facing a star-studded field, including six other Group One winners like Sharp ’N’ Smart and Legarto, Mustang Valley will have the advantage of having Premiership-leading jockey Joe Doyle on board, aiming for her third stakes victory of the season.
Forsman mentioned, “Joe came in and galloped her on Tuesday morning for her last serious bit of work, and he was happy with her.”
Additionally, Forsman’s stable will be represented at Te Rapa on Friday with six runners, including Turn The Ace, who has a strong record at the venue, and Good Oil, who has been in consistent form since resuming in August.
In the 3YO 1400, three-year-old filly Eloise is set for her second-up run, while stablemate Satin Doll is unlikely to start due to a challenging barrier draw.
Forsman also celebrated a victory at Cambridge Synthetic with Styx, noting that the mare has been slow to mature but possesses a promising pedigree.
Overall, Forsman is hopeful for a successful week of racing across the North Island, with high expectations for Mustang Valley’s performance in the Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate.
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