Forsman hopeful of firmer Tauranga deck
Andrew Forsman took home Group One spoils on a rain-affected track at Hastings last weekend with Mustang Valley, but the Cambridge trainer is hoping for a better surface in the Bay of Plenty on Wednesday for his promising fillies.
Forsman will present in-form three-year-old pairing of Satin Doll and Mary Shan at the Tauranga meeting, with both searching for their maiden victory.
A daughter of Almanzor, Mary Shan has impressed in her two career starts, finishing a stylish third on debut behind Lupo Solitario, and came from last to storm home into second last start. The filly has received a favourable barrier draw (2) in the age-group event, with Forsman likely opting for this race.
“Mary Shan will probably be in the 3YO race as she’s drawn a bit better, she’s trialled well on rain-affected going and we’re hoping it does improve a little bit so she might be better off in that race,” Forsman said.
Joining the stablemate is Dissident filly Satin Doll, who recorded two third placings on the Cambridge all-weather surface before Forsman held off starting her on heavy surfaces and won’t be changing his tactics if the Tauranga track remains a Heavy 10.
“She would only run if the track improved a lot but she has drawn a little bit awkwardly in that field,” he said.
Both of Forsman’s fillies hold early nominations for the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) in six weeks’ time, alongside stablemates Aprilia, Ethereal Star and Eloise.
Forsman hopes a step up in distance will suit four-year-old Light of Plutus, while Imarichgirl comes off a luckless third last start at Tauranga to be a key chance.
“He’s (Light of Plutus) been knocking on the door, but he hasn’t won one yet, so hopefully with a couple of runs in this preparation he’s improved and ready for the middle distance,” Forsman said.
“Imarichgirl was a little bit unlucky course and distance last Saturday, she faces a little bit of a quick back-up but she should improve again.
“She was only second-up for that, third-up now with a good draw and a good rider on (Craig Grylls) so she should be hard to beat.”