Filly to face toughest test yet
WELLINGTON: Unbeaten filly Hoofaloof will face the sternest test of her fledgling career at New Plymouth tomorrow.
The daughter of Jimmy Choux has done everything in fine style so far for trainers Keith and Gavin Opie and the father and son partnership will now raise the bar.
‘‘She’s got to step up again, but she’s still improving and it was a big effort last time out after she was parked out wide,’’ Keith Opie said.
Hoofaloof was a trial winner at Te Awamutu in May before she was successful on debut at New Plymouth last month. She then stepped up to beat fillies and mares over 1400m at Rotorua on June 28.
The filly will now attempt to complete a hattrick of wins when she steps out in the New Zealand Bloodstock race for 3yrolds tomorrow.
Apprentice Jasmine Fawcett retains the ride.
‘‘This race looks an ideal one and at this time of the year it’s a huge plus to get a threekilo claim,’’ Opie said.
Hoofaloof’s immediate future will be decided by her performance tomorrow.
‘‘We’ll sit down and assess things,’’ Opie said.
‘‘She doesn’t carry a lot of weight and she’s still quite fragile.’’
The filly has also yet to trial or race on anything other than rainaffected ground.
‘‘We know she skips through the heavy tracks, but we’ve never tried her on firmer ground,’’ Opie said. — NZ Racing Desk.