Kiwi Tiara contender in fine fettle
Confidence in Miss Wilson’s Australian Group 1 prospects have been boosted. The Hawke’s Bay mare has arrived safely in Queensland ahead of Saturday week’s Tatts Tiara (1400m) at Doomben and impressed in a strong hit-out at Eagle Farm on Tuesday morning.
“She trialled over 1000m and went really well,” trainer John Bary said.
“There were six in her open heat and she won by about five lengths. More importantly, she pulled up well. It was a genuine dead track and she got through the ground without any problems.”
“I flew over with her last Friday and it was all smooth going and she has settled in really well. So at this stage, everything looks good.
“It will be a one-hit raid and she will probably spell over there in the warmer weather before she comes home.”
A half-sister to the five-time Group 1 winner Jimmy Choux, Miss Wilson confirmed plans for a trip across the Tasman with victory in the Group 1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Te Aroha in April.
She was ridden on that occasion by Vinnie Colgan, who will continue his association with the Stratum mare in the Tatts Tiara.
“Vinnie will be going across to ride her,” Bary said.
“He’s got nice hands, he’s a big race rider and he knows Brisbane well.”
Colgan, whose CV features six wins in the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m), enjoyed a couple of successful seasons in Australia, firstly riding in South Australia and then transferred to Queensland before returning home in late 2014.