Partyon must be better
A blunt assessment of her performance last week has Natalie Rasmussen feeling like things are a little up in the air with the second favourite for tomorrow night’s Group 1 Queen of Hearts, Partyon.
While the former Oaks-winning filly was good in running home for fourth behind Bonnie Joan in the Northern Breeders Stakes, the mare’s co-trainer and driver wasn’t all that impressed.
‘‘I thought she was pretty flat and should have been a bit better than that,’’ Rasmussen said. ‘‘I know she was first up and probably needed the run, but she actually felt like she was having me on a bit which is a bit of a concern.’’
Rasmussen’s instructions to Tim Williams, who has been overseeing the Auckland All Stars team this week, were straight to the point.
‘‘I told Timmy to get the work into her this week and try and wake her up a little bit and see if we can get her back on the right track.’’
There’s no hiding the fact that if the best version of Partyon rocks up to Alexandra Park, she can win, but Rasmussen’s assessment of her last run and the hesitancy in her thoughts for this week will be enough to make those who have been enticed by the $2.60 fixed odds on offer more than a little concerned.
‘‘We’ve got a draw to put ourselves in the race, I certainly won’t be driving her for luck, put it that way.
‘‘Maybe buzzing her out of the gate to try and get forward might get her on the job, we will have to wait and see.’’
The premier meeting will be another big night out for All Stars judging by the form books, with 17 horses engaged and Rasmussen’s card is quite exceptional - although only number five.
Of her chances, which comprise of Conway Beach, Elle Mac, Chase Auckland, Partyon and Vincent, the strike-rate horsewoman lumped for the unbeaten Chase Auckland as her best chance.
‘‘He’s handled his first trip up there really well and to this point we haven’t really had to take a lot out of him so the chance is there to drive him positively and look to keep the record intact.
While she was brimming with confidence for Chase Auckland, Rasmussen stressed the prospects of Vincent came down to luck.
‘‘I’m driving him this week because I think he might be vulnerable first up. There’s no doubt he can win because he’s a good horse but he will probably be a false favourite in my opinion.’’
The brilliant Heaven Rocks, who will take on Vincent, was given a good push by her usual driver. ‘‘He can definitely win, I thought he was great last week and if he gets it right he’ll be hard to beat.’’
Vincent was rated a $2 favourite for the Franklin Cup ahead of Heaven Rocks at $2.40 with New Zealand Trotting Cup and New Zealand Free-For-All placegetter, Jack’s Legend the only other runner in single figures at a $7 quote.