New Zealand-based trainer Donna Logan could not be happier with the form shown by talented stayer Rising Romance since producing a strong turn of foot to overcome poor position and finish fourth in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (200m) on April 5th.
Rising Romance is currently outright second favourite behind Lucia Valentina for success in the 2014 Australian Oaks. Photo: Steve Hart
Having performed well on damp tracks in her native New Zealand, Logan told AAP a gallop on the Randwick course proper on Tuesday morning would be the real indicator as to Rising Romance’s chances for this weekend’s major Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) on day 2 of the inaugural The Championships.
“She has come out of the Vinery in amazing shape” Logan said.
“I can’t believe how well she has done. She is very bright and is eating up.
“I just wish it would stop raining.
“The gallop on Tuesday will tell us how she will cope with the track.”
Producing an impressive record of three wins and three places from only nine competitive race starts to date, Rising Romance has quickly shot to the forefront of the New Zealand staying community.
Debuting with an unlucky result of fourth when blocked for a run in the Industry Security Specialists Maiden (1200m) on October 16th, the exciting Ekraar filly quickly built towards a career in Group level events; winning the Listed Trevor Eagle Memorial (1500m) before placing a strong third in the Group 2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m) on Boxing Day.
Producing a strong turn to foot to win the Group 2 Royal Stakes (2000m) on the first day of the year, Rising Romance was unlucky to finish second to leading New Zealand stayer Puccini in both the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) and Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) prior to her trip across the ditch and Vinery Stud Stakes appearance.
Having displayed a keen ability to sprint well in the final straight of her most recent appearances, Rising Romance is currently offered as outright second-favourite for success in betting markets for the 2014 Australian Oaks at a quote of $6.
Winner of the 2014 Vinery Stud Stakes, fellow New Zealand-based raider Lucia Valentina is current sole occupant of the top line of betting, offering up $3.25 odds.
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