The Growler primed for southern test

[Wandering Eyes]

The Growler (NZ) (Darci Brahma) will be out to continue his strong southern form when he heads to Ascot Park on Wednesday.

The nine-year-old has won and placed twice in his last three southern outings and trainer Richard Didham is confident he can keep that run of form alive this week in the Massive Fashions In The Field (1600m).

“He is in tip top shape and his form, other than the other day (when seventh at Riccarton), has been outstanding,” Didham said.

“He got wiped out the other day about 150m out and he looked like he was in a challenging position.

“All bodes well for Wednesday, and it looks like an ideal race for him.”

Rain is forecast ahead of Wednesday, which Didham believes will benefit his gelding.

“They had a bit of rain down there and he does really enjoy it when he can get his toe in the ground,” he said.

Didham will also line-up While You’re There (NZ) (He’s Remarkable) in the Great Live Bands & DJ’s In 3 Different Areas (1600m).

“I thought he was really good first-up in a strong maiden on the first day of the Cup meeting,” he said.

“He got back to second-to-last on the fence, through no fault of the rider, and ran the third fastest last 600m home.

“I do see there is a bit of form in the race, but his Riccarton form should really stack up and he should be highly competitive.”

Meanwhile, the stable has bid farewell to promising filling Imelda Mayhem (NZ) (War Decree), who will continue her racing career with Lindsay Park in Victoria.

“We just sold a three-year-old filly, Imelda Mayhem, to Ben Hayes in Australia. She had a couple of trials where she won by 20 (lengths) and then by 10 (lengths),” Didham said.

“She is fast and they have so many options in Melbourne. The team have kept a share and it will be exciting when she does line-up.”

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