Sofia Rosa on track for Caulfield
If circumstances allow, Danielle Johnson would love to return to Melbourne to partner Sofia Rosa this spring.
Johnson rode the Stephen Marsh-trained mare in Saturday’s Group I Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) and was impressed.
Michael Walker was due to take the reins but those plans were scuttled by an eight-day careless riding suspension. Johnson got the call-up and enjoyed her first ride at famous Flemington.
‘‘It was a good experience,’’ the leading jockey said. ‘‘The mare got back from her wide draw but her last 300 was good. She felt great and her next run at 2000m should suit her better.’’
Marsh plans to run Sofia Rosa in the Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington in three weeks as her final lead-up to the A$3 million Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 15. The Cambridge trainer is confident he has the Lib Petagnaowned Makfi mare where she needs to be. ‘‘I think she’s on track,’’ Marsh said. ‘‘I think you will see the real Sofia Rosa in her next run.
‘‘We wanted to see her hitting the line on Saturday and she did that – we feel she’s going the right way.’’ Marsh was pleased with Johnson’s ride and said she is under consideration to retain the mount.
Meantime Marsh’s unbeaten colt Ugo Foscolo is progressing well towards the Group II Hawke’s Bay Guineas on October 1.
‘‘He’s getting better and better each time he goes around,’’ Marsh said. ‘‘The Guineas will be a great race – it’s a very good bunch of 3-year-olds and it will be a strong field.’’
Johnson heads to Hastings this Saturday where her rides include Capella in the Group I Windsor Park Plate, Bella Gioia in the Group III Gold Trail Stakes and Nymph Monte.
A son of Tavistock, Nymph Monte runs in the open 2000 and is a horse Johnson rates. ‘‘He’s a horse I really like,’’ she said. ‘‘I’ve got a lot of time for him and he is a cups’ horse in the making.’’