Weight relief helps chances of Noble’s Jaarffi

[Wandering Eyes]

Taking on the reigning New Zealand Horse of the Year at Ellerslie is a challenge with benefits for the Lance Noble-prepared Jaarffi.

Multiple Group One winner El Vencedor will oppose the in-form mare in Saturday’s Listed Fulton Family Stakes (1500m) and has taken a degree of weight off the Karaka trainer’s mind.

“Being a handicap isn’t ideal, but it’s nice to see El Vencedor pay up and instead of carrying 60kg or thereabouts, she’ll carry 58.5kg,” Noble said.

“That’s a plus and I’m really happy with her.”

The Cambridge Stud-bred and owned Jaarffi finished a last-start runner-up in the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) behind Kingswood, whose bold move 800m from home off a slow pace won the race.

“To be fair, Warren (Kennedy) was probably one of the few jockeys in the race who couldn’t do anything about it,” Noble said.

“Rory (Hutchings) did do something about it, but where we were three back on the fence he couldn’t inject any speed into the race.

“We had to take our medicine, but she was strong to the line.”

The consistent Iffraaj mare has won four races but has risen to be the fifth highest ranked New Zealand-trained horse on a rating of 109.

“She’s never won a black-type race and for her consistency, she’s gone up the ratings to a point where El Vencedor, who’s won 13 races, isn’t that far ahead of her,” Noble said.

“It’s just the way the handicap system works, she’s been penalised for not winning but she’s only three points below El Vencedor (four Group One wins) and Legarto (three).

“She’s yet to win a black-type race and hopefully we can fix that on Saturday.”

All going well, Jaarffi will continue on a feature event path after the weekend.

“We decided not to go for the Herbie Dyke Stakes (Gr.1, 2000m), this race leads nicely into the Otaki Maori WFA (Gr.1, 1600m) and then into the Bonecrusher (Gr.1, 2000m),” Noble said.

Stablemate Frostfair has also earned her place in the Fulton line-up.

“It was a funny run race last time when she got back and the first three around the corner were the first three home,” Noble said.

“She made ground and if she can jump and put herself in it with 53kg, we would be thrilled if she can pick up some black type.”

Liguria was a strong fourth on debut and Noble fancies the Snitzel filly’s chances in the Gr.3 Colin Jillings 2YO Classic (1200m).

“I like her and she ran a really nice fourth on debut. It’s a tidy field for the week after the Karaka Million but she has improved with the race day experience,” Noble said.

Stablemate Hey Dana will also have the chance to press her claims for top level honours when she runs in the Cloudsoft Accounting Handicap (2100m).

“This is a test to see if we can get to the Oaks (Gr.1, 2400m) so she really needs to put her hand up. We’re happy with her and she looks great,” Noble said.

Noble’s other runner at Ellerslie is Kakasisisi in the Myracehorse Maiden (1600m).

“She’s run two good fourths and hasn’t done much wrong. She’s drawn okay (seven) and if she runs up to her first two starts, she should be in the mix,” he said.

View the full article