In Style eyes change of luck at Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes
FORMER New Zealand thoroughbred In Style hasn’t had much luck in Australia, but trainer Mike Moroney expects that to change as it takes on the Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes at Sandown this Saturday.
The lightly-tried six-year-old lost all chance last start in the Group 3 Northwood Plume Stakes at Caulfield when it reared at the start, but it still managed to finish only 4.75 lengths behind Politeness.
It was then scratched from Oaks day at Flemington due to the heavy track, but Moroney is now expecting a change of fortunes.
“She has won in soft going but is best on top of the ground and it looks like she should get that Saturday – she’s due a change of luck,” Moroney said.
In Style was a Group 1 winner in New Zealand when it won the Railway Stakes at Ellerslie in January. It had previously won the Group 3 Concorde which is a prestigious race in New Zealand, but Moroney is still confused as to why it reared in the barriers last start.
“We still don’t know why she did it. Opie [Bosson] said she had a dive at the gates early but was standing quietly, then as the gates opened she just climbed in the air,” Moroney said.
“She cost herself maybe six lengths but mustered speed to be just behind the leaders turning in. Under the circumstances I thought she did a great job.
“The effort told late but I think had she jumped away with them she would have gone close to winning and the form has stood up with Politeness winning the Group one then running second in the Emirates Stakes on Saturday.”
The likes of Smokin’ Joey and Famous Seamus have been entered for Saturday which makes it a tough race, but Moroney believes it can measure up to them.
“I know it’s weight-for-age and obviously we don’t know the final field,” Moroney said.
“She’s got Group I form against the males in New Zealand and if she brings that on Saturday then she’s certainly got the class to measure up.”
Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes acceptances:
Full market will be available at Sportsbet.com.au on Thursday, November 12.
1. Sterling City
2. Smokin’ Joey
3. Rain Affair
4. Famous Seamus
5. Eloping
6. Generalife
7. Bring Me The Maid
8. Signoff
9. Lidari
10. Tycoon Tara
11. Lord Van Percy
12. In Style
13. Java
14. Galaxy Pegasus
15. Under The Louvre
16. Pago Rock
17. Gracious Prospect
18. Charmed Harmony
19. Metaphorical
20. Japhils
21. Mister Milton
22. The Monstar
23. Taddei Tondo