Malacanto searching for third win
Malacanto has made an encouraging start to her career and cobreeder, part-owner and trainer Ian Wyeth is hoping for another result to savour at Otaki today.
A mare with attitude, she will step out in a rating 75 over 1200m in search of the third win of her brief career.
‘‘She’s been interesting and quite a handful through her early education, but on race days her manners have been great,’’ Wyeth said.
Malacanto made an instant impact when she won on debut at Tauherenikau and got home late for sixth at Waverley before she finished runner-up at Hastings.
The four-year-old then went to Woodville last month and she let down strongly in the run home under Rosie Myers to win a rating 65 contest over 1200 metres.
‘‘She’s very much had a mind of her own so I was a bit nervous in her first couple of starts, but she did very well,’’ Wyeth said.
‘‘She’s still learning the ropes, hence we’re sticking to midweek racing and I’m delighted to have Rosie on again to help with that education.’’ Favourites Kawi and Valley Girl have come up with awkward draws for Saturday’s Group I Makfi Challenge Stakes at Hastings. The Allan Sharrock-trained Kawi, who will defend his title under last year’s winning rider Leith Innes, drew barrier 15 and will start one outside the Donna Logan and Chris Gibbstrained second favourite Valley Girl. Jockey Maija Vance has returned to New Zealand following a five-year stint in Australia. The daughter of former jockeys now trainers Bob and Jenny Vance crossed the Tasman during the 2011-12 racing season.