Top NZ mare Volpe Veloce to target Brisbane Winter Carnival
The high-class four-year-old broke through at the highest level during her summer campaign when she won the Group 1 Railway (1200m) on New Year’s Day and was a luckless seventh in the Group 1 Telegraph (1200m).
Her Ellerslie success completed her full house of black type credits following Group 2, Group 3 and Listed successes last season.
Volpe Veloce was given a break after her Telegraph outing and is in the early stages of her Brisbane preparation.
“She’s in pre-training and Gavin Parker, my training partner, saw her the other day and he said she looks great,” Matamata conditioner Graeme Richardson said.
“She may have one race here before she goes and we’ll be looking at the Stradbroke and the Tatts Tiara.”
The Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1350m) will be run at Eagle Farm on June 9 with the Group 1 Tatts Tiara (1600m) at the Gold Coast a fortnight later.
Meanwhile, stablemates Xbox and Wildflower will be chasing domestic Group 1 autumn titles with the former a leading Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) prospect and the latter a genuine Auckland Cup (3200m) hope.
Xbox boosted his classic credentials when he won the Group 2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) at his last start.
“He’s a chance for Brisbane as well, depending what happens in the Derby,” Richardson said.
Listed Jakkalberry Classic (1950m) winner Wildflower went to another level at her latest appearance when she chased Lizzie L’Amour home in the Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m).
“That was a terrific effort and she’s come through it well,” Richardson said.