Little Nikkas back from the dead and ready to make debut
LITTLE Nikkas is poised to make her racing debut today, seven months after nearly dying of colic.
There was a time Gold Coast trainer Michael Costa thought the four-year-old mare would never make it to the races.
But Little Nikkas will run in today’s Maiden Handicap (1050m) at Beaudesert as Costa looks to cash in on the mare’s potential.
Little Nikkas won her first two trials at the Gold Coast and Ballina in February this year before being sent to spell in the paddock after becoming shin sore.
Costa revealed the mare contracted colic and came close to dying before bouncing back.
“She trialled extremely well in that first preparation but she got a bit shin sore and we had to tip her out,” Costa said.
“When she was out spelling at a farm she got colic and she almost died. She had surgery and she was lucky to stay alive.
“It was touch and go there for a little bit but she fought through it well.”
Little Nikkas, by US-bred sire Where’s That Tiger, finished second to Prince Duporth in a soft Gold Coast trial upon her return at the start of October and while Costa said she will hit her peak between 1400m and 1600m, he didn’t discount a win on debut.
“I do just because she has got a bit of talent and she is extremely tough,” Costa said.
“We always like her final key gallop leading in to give a good push and we’re also mindful that the 1400m and mile is probably where her grand finals will be. But we are just hoping that with that bit of talent she runs well.”
Little Nikkas was given to Costa by former Scone trainer Greg Bennett, who still owns a share in the mare, when he became Aquis director of racehorse development last year.