Suspension opens the door aboard in-form Ladies First
A GOLDEN Group One opportunity is up for grabs next weekend with New Plymouth trainer Allan Sharrock looking at riding options for one of his stable stars.
The Taranaki horseman produced Ladies First to win Saturday’s Auckland Co-Op Taxis Handicap (2200m) at Ellerslie and she is now the $4.50 favourite for next weekend’s Group 1 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m).
Vinnie Colgan has been aboard the mare in her last three starts, but suspension will prevent him from continuing his association with the five-year-old.
“Getting the right rider at 54kg is difficult,” Sharrock said. “I tried to get Michael Walker to come over, but he’s got commitments with Group One lead-ups over there so we’ll let the dust settle and make a decision later.”
Ladies First sat outside the front-runner Seventeen Seventy, who sprinted on straightening but the daughter of Dylan Thomas finished determinedly to nab her close to home.
“She was terrific, it took the length of the straight for her to wind up,” Sharrock said.
“I’m really thrilled and I don’t care whether it’s fine or wet next Saturday, she’ll get the two miles.”
Colgan echoed Sharrock’s comments after winning on Ladies First for the second time, the first came at Te Rapa last month.
“She had a terrific winter and she’s won six races on heavy tracks, including two Listed races, and her last three runs have been on good tracks so they’ve all been good efforts,” he said.
“She is quite dour so I’m hoping for pace in the Auckland Cup for her.”
Seventeen Seventy gave a grand sight off the front to go under by a short neck and held second by a nose from Cheeky Boy.
Under 60kg Magic Chai in a slowly run race, Magic Chai came on well from the back of the field for fourth to do his Auckland Cup chances no harm.