Journalists Wandering Eyes Posted 18 hours ago Journalists Share Posted 18 hours ago Pearl Of Alsace will contest the Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Well-performed mare Pride Of Alsace will have conditions to suit on Saturday in her quest to add a major title to her CV before the curtain comes down on her career. The daughter of Tavistock will return to her favourite course to contest the Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham where previous visits have been rewarded with three wins, including success in the Group 3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m). “She has been served by Proisir and we’re waiting to see if she is in foal,” said Shaune Ritchie, who trains the six-year-old with Colm Murray for breeder-owner Sir Peter Vela. “If she is, she’ll only have a couple more runs and she is Group One placed and a Group winner so there’s only one mountain left to climb. “If she can nail a Group One then that would be fantastic. We’re starting to run out of opportunities, and this is without doubt the best she’s had.” Pearl Of Alsace has also pleased both of her trainers and raceday rider Michael McNab in her build-up. “Her trial at Tauranga before the first race the other day was as good as you’re going to get from her,” Ritchie said. “She was hard held in third and McNab got off and said that’s the best she’s trialled, so we seem to have her in the right order for the right conditions. “She doesn’t seem to let down quite the same on the firmer tracks in summer so with it being a Slow 7 there’ll certainly be some give in the ground. “She has a great record both at the mile and at Trentham and dropping down to 53kg is going to be advantageous as well. She comes into the race really nicely.” Pride Of Alsace’s only miss on the track came at her most recent appearance when sixth in the Group 1 Mufhasa Classic (1600m). “She got within range and then lugged in, she hung in a little bit when she would normally quicken and just felt the ground,” Ritchie said. “There were no muscle problems post that, but she’s just not the same when the tracks are hard.” Horse racing news View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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