Satherley making rare trip south

Waikato jockey Lynsey Satherley is making a rare trip to Wanganui this weekend, lured south by a strong book of rides right up to stakes level — and the prospect of further blacktype opportunities to follow.

In a career spanning more than two decades, Satherley has had only 21 rides at Wanganui, with a placing her best result. “I don’t really travel a lot, and I’d say I’ve probably only made four or five trips down there in my whole riding career,” she said.

“It’s not something I’d normally do, but Murray [Baker] and Andrew [Forsman] told me I could ride Vee Cece in the Wanganui Cup [Listed, 2040m], and potentially stay with her for the Waikato Cup [Group 3, 2400m], so that’s made it well worthwhile for me to make the trip.

“I’ve also got the opportunity to ride a couple of good chances for Debbie Sweeney, so it’s worked out really well.”

Vee Cece is rated a $13 chance in tomorrow’s Wanganui Cup.

The capable daughter of Canford

Cliffs has won three times in her 16-start career and placed at Listed level, but has also been unplaced eight times.

She hung badly at Pukekohe two starts back and was beaten by 20 lengths, but Satherley was aboard in a much-improved performance last start at Te Rapa. Vee Cece produced a strong late run to get within a head of Super Hoof, with the rest of the field ending more than four lengths adrift.

“She can be a bit of a difficult mare, both on raceday and at home,” said

Satherley. “Phill Cataldo [ bloodstock agent, on behalf of owners OTI Racing] might have said something to try to get me the ride last start. I was fortunate enough to get that opportunity, and she ran a great race and just went down by a lip.

“She does a few things wrong and can be a bit of a handful, but she’s got a lot of ability on her day ... I galloped her this morning and thought she felt bright and well.”

Satherley is also looking forward to continuing her association with the

Sweeney-trained Angaria and First Rock, both of whom performed well for her in their most recent races.

Angaria scored a dominant frontrunning victory at Te Rapa, improving his promising career record to three wins from seven starts. The 4-year-old son of Niagara is the $4.20 favourite for tomorrow’s Championship Qualifier (1600m).

“It was a big performance last time, and I think he’s a horse who can go right through the grades.”