Arataki back on right track

[Wandering Eyes]

After a foot abscess ruled her out of the Empire Rose Stakes on Derby Day, trainer Matthew Williams is confident Wrote To Arataki (NZ) (Wrote) remains on song to take on her first Group one in Saturday’s Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.

“She galloped the Tuesday after, so she really hasn’t missed any work, so we don’t think it’s upset her prep too much,” said Williams.

“She’s done everything right since being scratched from Derby Day.

“She had a gallop on the course proper at Warrnambool this morning,” he added.

The Gr.2 Tristarc Stakes winner will again be partnered by jockey Dean Yendall, and with the benefit of hindsight, Williams believes Saturday’s contest may be a better fit for the mare.

“I sort of didn’t think it was the worst result, watching the race (Empire Rose Stakes), that we weren’t in it.

“Dean’s confident she’d run a mile all right, I’m a little bit suspect on her at a mile.”

Whilst her previous victory at Caulfield saw the mare lead the field round the 1400m, Williams may aim to change tactics this weekend.

“I’m thinking we’ll potentially take a little bit of a sit.

“There’s a couple there that I thought, if they accepted, they might be a little bit sharper than us out of the gates.

“She can lead, but it would have to be very much on her terms, or else we’ll take a sit on her.

“Obviously, Matthew Smith’s horse was great on Saturday, so if he can run a strong 1400m out, he’s going to be hard to beat.

“There’s quite a few horses that are in form, Skew Wiff – she was good on Cup Day.

“I would say, at this stage, it looks like the race is going to hold up pretty strong, considering that it’s been moved to after the Flemington Carnival.

“I thought it potentially might not have come up as strong as that…she’ll (Wrote to Arataki) need to be running right up to her best to be in the top three.”

A now five-year-old, Williams is complimentary of the daughter of Wrote’s progression.

“Each preparation she’s come back, she’s been stronger, and she’s really been able to show that then on the track.”

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