Tasmanian mare chasing Mornington Cup success
Tasmanian trainer John Blacker wants to test the water on the mainland with his Launceston Cup winner Glass Warrior and believes the Mornington Cup is the right option to see where the stayer sits.
Saturday’s Listed Mornington Cup (2400m) affords the winner a ballot exemption into the Caulfield Cup in the spring, and while Blacker is realistic in realising the task confronting Glass Warrior, he wants to give the mare her chance.
Tasmanian raiders are no strangers to success in the Mornington Cup with Norsqui winning in 2012 and Banca Mo three years later.
Blacker said Glass Warrior won the Group 3 Launceston Cup (2400m) on February 24 on her merit and is looking forward to seeing how she measures up on Saturday.
He said Saturday’s race was all about looking forward towards the spring.
“There is nothing in Tassie for her now until next year,” Blacker said.
“She’ll run on Saturday and if she runs well, it will get her a return trip to race over carnival time in Melbourne in something that we can find for her.
“But she’ll come home after Saturday and have a bit of a break.”
A daughter of Glass Harmonium, Glass Warrior has raced 26 times for four wins.
She will be joined on the trip on the ferry from Tasmania by Blaze Forth who runs in the Listed Hareeba Stakes (1200m) on Saturday.
Both horses will be ridden by Craig Newitt who starts a suspension after Saturday’s meeting.
“They come over in good health,” Blacker said.
“I’m especially looking forward to Glass Warrior as she will strip fitter again and will definitely run the trip.
“Blaze Forth, he’s an older sprinter. He had a campaign in Melbourne last winter but found the wet tracks against him.”