KOWHAI ON A STAKES MISSION

Three Saturday runners for us including Kowhai on a stakes mission in Adelaide.

The South Australian Fillies Classic is over 2500 metres at Morphettville and Kowhai (pictured) to be ridden by Blake Shinn and drawn ideally in barrier four.

The last start winner has settled in well in Adelaide according to Mike Moroney.

“The team tell me she hasn't left an oat since arriving which is always a good sign,” Mike said.

“Her work at home on Tuesday was encouraging and while this represents a big step up in class, we feel she has improved since her strong win last start.

“She should love the 2500 metres and from the good barrier with Blake Shinn riding we think she is a good chance to add some valuable stakes form to her record.”

Closer to home Gregolimo and Mathletic race at Caulfield.

Gregolimo is in the ninth race over 1600 metres with Declan Bates in the saddle.

“He looks terrific and strips fitter today,” Mike said. “His work this week has been very good and his gallop on Tuesday was in company with Mathletic.

“My little concern is the sticky gate and ideally he can get in and get some cover however, if he is going to be caught wide we will ask Declan to slowly creep forward and sit on speed.

“All things being equal we feel he will run very well.”

Mathletic runs in race eight over 1400 metres with Patrick Moloney aboard.

“The jar out of the track will help him and he’s fitter for two runs in Australia,” Mike said.

“He wanted to overdo things in front last start at Mornington so we’ve fitted him with a cross-over nose band today to help him.

“He will not know himself today with just 53 kilos on his back and from barrier two he should get the run of the race.”