Babylon Berlin to focus on domestic targets

[Wandering Eyes]

Well-performed sprinter Babylon Berlin (All Too Hard) has remained at home with another winter start on the cards for the multiple Group winner.

Connections had considered a Queensland campaign for the six-year-old but opted against the trip with a domestic Group One feature her long-term aim.

“She might go to the open sprint at Te Rapa in the middle of June or we could tip her out and get her ready for the Foxbridge Plate (Gr.2, 1200m),” co-trainer and part-owner Ben Foote said.

“She might get in foal later this year and then we’ll concentrate on the Railway (Gr.1, 1200m), that’s the plan, so we’ll be doing all the right things by the horse.”

A three-time Group Three winner, Babylon Berlin has two placings to her credit in the Ellerslie sprint feature as well as runner-up Group One finishes in The Telegraph (1200m) and BCD Group Sprint (1400m).

The daughter of All Too Hard was most recently third in an open 1100m handicap at Trentham.

“She came through the race really well, there’s nothing wrong with her at all and she’s in good condition,” Foote said.

With training partner and son Ryan, he will have a number of runners at the Cambridge meeting on the synthetic track on Wednesday.

Among his better winning chances is the Zoustar filly Mars (NZ), who runs in the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1300m) off the back of success at Matamata earlier this month with Michael McNab again taking the ride.

“I think Mars and Ultimate Focus will both be very strong chances,” Foote said.

“Baz Dowling (equine chiropractor) has been doing a bit of work with Mars and she seems to be stretching out really well now.

“Ability-wise, she’s certainly a lot better than a Rating 65 horse but with it being a Pearl Series race we’ve decided to have a go for the bonus.”

McNab will also partner Ultimate Focus (Smart Missile) from the inside gate in the Waipa Earthworks Handicap (970m).

The son of Smart Missile drew attention to his prospects with a resuming run for second over the course and distance earlier this month.

“I do quite like So Brassy as well, she has been working well and might be the best longshot as far as a little nibble goes,” Foote said.

The lightly raced three-year-old daughter of Per Incanto hasn’t raced since January and will be ridden in the other Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1300m) by Courtney Barnes.

Stablemate Vivo Rosso (NZ) (Proisir), the mount of Sam Spratt, also resumes in the event and is another forward for her return.

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