Trainers chasing champagne result in Riccarton features

[Wandering Eyes]

Riccarton trainers Anna Furlong and Shane Kennedy are looking forward to tackling stakes company once more with Second Thought (NZ) (Ghibellines) when they head to their home meeting on Saturday.

The daughter of Ghibellines has had one prior start at stakes level, running fifth in the Listed Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m) in February, and her handlers are hoping for a better result this weekend.

Second Thought has had an interrupted preparation but has pleased with her two placings from as many starts in the lead-up to the Listed Sothys Spring Classic (2000m).

“We are on about Plan D with this mare, she has had a bit of a niggly prep – it has been really damp and she has had a couple of feet issues,” Furlong said.

“I am really happy to be getting her to Saturday, she loves the 2000m and loves Riccarton.”

Second Thought is a $4.50 equal favourite with the TAB for the Riccarton feature, alongside the Michael and Matthew Pitman-trained Proserve (NZ) (Proisir).

Earlier on the card, Champagne Racing will have a two-pronged attack in the Gr.3 War Decree Stakes (1600m) courtesy of Quintabelle (NZ) (Embellish) and Warning Signal (NZ) (U S Navy Flag).

Quintablle cleared maiden ranks in pleasing style at Ashburton earlier this month, while Furlong is hoping the addition of a tongue tie will benefit stakes performer Warning Signal.

“It (last start win) was really good to see (from Quintabelle). She is improving off everything she does and she is heading in the right direction,” Furlong said.

“I am looking forward to getting her over the mile at Riccarton.

“In the Barneswood Farm (Gr.3, 1400m), Warning Signal held her breath for the first time, which was a little bit annoying, so she has got the tongue tie on this time and hopefully that does the trick.”

The stable will also be represented by Iffididit (NZ) (Iffraaj) and Ugo (NZ) (Zacinto) in the Pryde’s Easifeed Rating 65 (1600m), and The Seamstress (NZ) (Savile Row) and Pierrogrine (NZ) (Pierro) in the Betavet Celebrating 15 Years Maiden (1400m).

“Iffididit has shown a lot of maturity this prep,” Furlong said.

“He was on the back-up last start but still ran a nice third and was probably a little bit unlucky not to get clear air when he did. I am looking forward to getting him over a mile at Riccarton.

“Ugo needs to pull finger a little bit. He was a little lacklustre last start and needs to bring his A game.

“Pierrogrine had a super debut (for third), I am really happy with him. He is bred to get over ground, so we are looking forward to stepping him up in distance.

“And The Seamstress wants to get over further, but she missed a run at Ashburton and we need to get a run under her belt.”

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