My Chicharita makes Australian debut

My Chicharita makes her Australian debut at Caulfield on Saturday, the talented four-year-old due to kick off her spring campaign in the second event - the Legacy Handicap.

Having her firt start since finishing out of the placings in the New Zealand Oaks in mid-March, the lightly raced daughter of Towkay is a Group 2 winner who was competitive against the boys in the New Zealand Derby, finishing a close up fourth.

With two of her three wins to date coming on rain affected tracks, Michael Moroney is looking forward to seeing what My Chicharita can do first up.

"She has good first up form and the rain is going to bring her right into it," he said.

"She is a quality mare," he continued, adding that she has fared nicely in two recent Flemington jump-outs and is nicely primed for the 1400m.

"She is forward enough to run a great race," he said.

Drawn barrier one of 11, My Chicharita will be ridden by Glen Boss.

Whilst we have just the one runner at Caulfield, we have a busy day at the Tatura meeting with three runners kicking off with Mariah's Pulse in the fourth race, a 1400m fillies and mares maiden.

Doing a great job to finish a close up fourth at a recent Geelong meeting - her first outing in 12 months, the promising Nadeem mare has come on well since.

"Her first up run contained a lot of merit," Moroney said. "She covered ground and soldiered on."

"She has improved since but if it gets too wet we may scratch her."

Having only her second start, the Reset filly Yesmasa lines up in the second division of the fillies and mares 1400m maiden and she looks likely to be suited by a step up in distance.

"Her first run was quite even and we were happy enough with it," said Moroney, adding that "she ran like she was looking for more ground."

This race will be a test to see where Yesmasa goes from here - whether she will be ready for a break or up to being tested further through the spring.

Our New Order is our final runner for the day, due to take his place in the 1400m ratings 72 handicap.

"His last run was better and he will strip fitter again," Moroney said - noting that the son of Strategic Image has been sound at both Australian outings off the back of consistent New Zealand form.

"It looks a winnable race and he has drawn nicely - he should prove hard to beat."