Concert Hall on song for Cuddle

The Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained Concert Hall (pictured) is thriving this preparation and punters have again warmed to the four-year-old mare, installing her the $2.30 favourite for the $70,000 Gr.3 Wentwood Grange Cuddle Stakes (1600m) at Trentham today.

The daughter of Savabeel couldn’t have been more impressive in winning at Tauranga and Matamata respectively in her past two starts and has pleased her conditioners as she steps-up to Group company.

“She’s really well,” James said. “I think she looks well placed. It (the step-up to stakes company) has come at a nice time in her preparation and I just hope we don’t get too much rain.”

James said Concert Hall was on trial for a tilt at the Gr.1 Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Te Aroha on April 6.

Meanwhile, James is confident his Gr.1 NZ Oaks (2400m) contender Elate has bounced back from a heart fibrillation suffered when trailing home the field in the Gr.3 Sunline Vase (2100m) at Ellerslie last start.

“I think she will get the trip no problem, but she is dependent on pretty good footing and I wouldn’t want it any worse than the track is now.”

James and Wellwood will also send out last-start Wanganui winner In Fashion in the TAB March Madness Cup (1200m) for two-year-olds where the daughter of Showcasing has drawn barrier one.

“I think she can use the barrier to a degree,” James said.

In Fashion holds a nomination for the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) on March 30, but will first have to prove her worth against a strong field which includes the highlytouted Te Akau juvenile Equinox.