Latta preparing for feature race double
MATAMATA BREEDERS’ STAKES DAY
Leading Manawatu trainer Lisa Latta is planning to make a rare trip to Matamata with runners in two of the feature events on Breeders’ Stakes day.
Latta-trained runners have been few and far between on either of Matamata’s major annual racedays, but this year she has two serious prospects in J Swap Contractors Matamata Breeders’ Stakes candidate Platinum Mam’selle and Marks Ewen & Associates Kaimai Stakes runner Five To Midnight.
Platinum Mam’selle has done little wrong in three starts to date, finishing second on debut in late December to highly rated Matamata two-year-old Sword Of Osman, winning on the first day
‘‘The locals are always hard to beat on their home track.’’
of the Wellington Cup carnival and then finishing second to another Matamata youngster, Bit Lippy, in the Gr. 3 Phoenix Park Classic at New Plymouth.
That race was three weeks ago and Latta’s original intention was ‘‘The locals are always hard to beat on their home track but I think my filly is up there with the better ones and she deserves her chance.’’
Latta has opted for Matamata’s 2000-metre Kaimai Stakes as the final lead-up for her Auckland Cup candidate Five To Midnight, who has done well in previous trips north this season, winning the Waikato Cup and placing in the Counties, Avondale and City of Auckland Cups.
‘‘The trip up to Matamata will be a lot easier on him than heading all the way up to Auckland for his final lead-up,’’ she explained.
‘‘This way he can race and be back on the road and home that night.’’