Volpe Veloce firms for Tarzino Trophy after Te Rapa romp
VOLPE Veloce stamped itself as one of New Zealand’s best thoroughbreds with an effortless win in the Distinction Hamilton Hotel Handicap at Te Rapa on Saturday.
The four-year-old extended its amazing race record to eight wins from nine starts and it now has the Hawke’s Bay spring carnival firmly in its sights.
Co-trainer Graham Richardson was keen for the daughter of Foxwedge to sit on the pace, which is always favourable at Te Rapa, and the race went according to plan as jockey Johnathan Parkes had it cruising around the home turn.
“That was the plan, but I didn’t want to say too much on TV as all the jockeys are listening,” Richardson said. “She missed it (the jump) a but, but he dug her up and put her there.”
“It’s hard to get back at Te Rapa and win.”
The $1.45 chance at Sportsbet.com.au didn’t give punters any cause for concern and Parkes always had the well-fancied runner in clean air.
“I just wanted to ride her positively and take bad luck out of it,” Parkes said. “She’s jumped well, sat outside the leader and we got to the 600m and she was wanting to bolt off with me.
“I had to hold her up for a little bit, but coming into the straight she gave me a super feeling.
“She’s back big time and I’m really looking forward to riding her at The Bay.”
The Hawke’s Bay spring carnival kicks off with the Tarzino Trophy and the plan hasn’t changed for Volpe Veloce which will be targeted for the first two legs of the triple crown.
“We’re on target for Hastings now, just absolutely over the moon,” Richardson said, who suggested he won’t start the mare again before the Tarzino.
“It’s only four weeks, she hasn’t raced since four/five months ago, so she’s alright fresh.”
There was talk that Volpe Veloce would line up in the Foxbridge Plate, but that doesn’t suit the schedule for the talented four-year-old.
“It’s just too close to the Foxbridge and I’m not saying they should change it, but it’s too close for us.”
Johnathan Parkes believes it has come back stronger and he’s confident the current $5 chance in the Tarzino is going to be competitive in the spring.
“I think naturally she has grown. She’s still quite lightly framed, but that’s just her,” Parkes said. “She’s come back a lot better and she gave me a super feel and I think she’s going to be a super chance come the Hawke’s Bay spring carnival.
“I haven’t given her any backhanders behind the saddle, so she’s done it pretty easy for herself.”