Delayed flight disrupts Vinery preparation
Ruakaka trainer Chris Gibbs will line-up Danzdanzdance in the Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill today ahead of her tilt at the Australian Oaks (2400m) a fortnight later.
However, her trip across the Tasman didn’t go entirely to plan, when her scheduled Monday flight was delayed by a day.
‘‘There was a delay to the flight and it is what it is, there’s nothing much we can do about that I’m afraid,’’ Gibbs said. ‘‘She seems to have settled in, but she’s only been there a day. From all reports, she’s worked well and is eating pretty good really.’’
The Mastercraftsman filly goes into The Vinery in fine form having placed in her two previous starts in the Avondale Guineas (2100m) and New Zealand Derby (2400m).
Gibbs said he is happy with his runner leading into the race, but would like to see how well she is faring after another few days.
‘‘I am very happy with the barrier draw, so Saturday will tell us a lot. Over the next few days we just want to see her settle in properly; she’s only been there a day so it’s pretty hard to make a call on how well she is doing.
‘‘We’ll be a little bit wiser when she has had a few days of eating and we’ll be able to weigh her.’’
Gibbs, who now trains on his own account after former training partner Donna Logan took out a training licence in Singapore, travelled to Sydney yesterday ahead of today’s feature.
Danzdanzdance is currently an equal $8.50 fifth favourite in The Vinery market with the New Zealand TAB, behind $4.80 race favourite and last-start Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) winner Unforgotten.