A Quaddie of Runners Head to the Winterless North

One of the best winter surfaces in the country will live up to its reputation tomorrow presenting a likely Dead4 which will see four Ballymore runners make the trip up.

Ruakaka boasts an 11 race premier card which will feature the return of talented Mastercraftsman filly, Flavigny (pictured), who will be having her first race day start in over six months in the Rating 65 event over 1200m.

The lightly tried filly has shown plenty of promise to date, although lines up against some more seasoned individuals in tomorrow’s race.

“She’s always shown us a great deal of ability and I’m hoping we can see a glimpse of that tomorrow,” co-trainer Chad Ormsby said.

Class act The Last Shower will be second-up heading into the Rating 85 event over 1400m and the improving track will be of great assistance heading into tomorrow’s race.

Jumping from the ace barrier, The Last Shower hasn’t raced at Ruakaka before, although boasts a strong record running right handed as well as three wins and two placings over the distance.

“She looks well-placed in this race with the weight, strong record over the distance, and of course the Dead track is going to play a big role,” Ormsby said.

“She’s come on nicely since her first up effort and the barrier draw (1) should give Michael (McNab) a few options as to where to place her in the running.”

Unknown Pleasures will take her place in the Rating 75 event over 1600m and she will look to go a couple better after producing some very consistent performances of late, and she also illustrates a very tidy record at the course and distance.

“I think she is a very good chance in this field. We elected to put Trudy (Thornton) on as she can get the best from them – ideal for Unknown Pleasures as she can be too laid back at times.”

“The nice track and good draw should see her fighting it out at the business end of the race.”

The last runner on the card will be another daughter of Mastercraftsman in Divissima, a filly with any amount of ability, but has yet to leave it on the track.

Divissima lines up in the Rating 65 event over 1600m and the step up in distance should suit after a few performances have suggested she is wanting further.

“She’s a very difficult individual and has a mind of her own,” Ormsby stated.

“You gallop her at home and she feels like a special horse, and then come race time she loses enthusiasm and it has been a real head scratcher for Mike and myself. She won’t have any excuses on Saturday with conditions to suit, and again rider Trudy Thornton will hopefully get the best from her.”

We wish our owners and connections the very best for tomorrow’s races!