Star mare starts new campaign
Volpe Veloce captured the imagination of race fans last season and the exciting galloper returns to action this weekend.
Her Matamata trainer Graham Richardson who prepares his team in partnership with Gavin Parker, is excited to have his class act back in racing trim.
‘‘I can’t wait to see her back racing,’’ he said. ‘‘She’s stronger through the neck and middle than last campaign and has been working well.’’
Without a trial to prepare for today’s 1200m race at Te Rapa, the Foxwedge mare has included a trip to Taupo for a gallop to help have her ready.
‘‘She never works too hard because I always work her on her own but I’m really happy with her and hopefully she goes well.
‘‘If she runs well she will go straight to the Tarzino Trophy.’’
The Group I is over 1400m at Hastings on September 2.
Wanganui jockey Johnathan Parkes heads north to Te Rapa to continue his association with the winner of seven from eight starts.
Volpe Veloce ($1.60) is outright favourite with TAB bookmakers offering generous odds for Brilliant Shine ($7.80), Ronchi ($7.80), Close Up ($8.50) and Biggin Hill ($8.50).
Richardson has no concerns around track conditions for Volpe Veloce and also rates the chances of her three stablemates at the meeting.
Richardson thinks Short Fuse will be ‘‘top three’’ hope for the stable in the first.
Dubai Shuffle (race two) and Ready To Rock (race six) give the trainers and the half-siblings’ owners Gary Christini and Dave Trubshoe the chance of a double judging by their last start efforts.