Sureasyouwereborn is second-up tomorrow in the 2000m Winton Cup as she seeks to improve on her fourth in last year’s New Zealand Cup.
The daughter of Lucky Unicorn began her 2016-17 campaign with a sixth to Come Fly With Me in a rating 90 1800m at Gore on September 23.
"She needed the run — 1800m was probably short enough for her," co-trainer Nikki Blatch said.
"She blew out the last wee bit but she’s come through it well and probably improved from it. I wouldn’t say she’s anywhere near 100% but she’s probably 90% so she should put in an honest race."
Blatch has one eye on the forecast.
The track is rated dead6, although Sureasyouwereborn could probably cope whichever way the penetrometer reading goes.
"With the weather forecast, you would think it’s going to get wetter, but who would know. It could dry out pretty quick, too. But I’d be happy if it stayed where it is."
Blatch would consider it a tick in the box if Sureasyouwereborn was gaining ground in the straight in preparation for a run in the Spring Classic at Riccarton on October 22 then the Metropolitan Trophy on November 4 and the New Zealand Cup a week later.
"I would just like it if we can get her to settle and hit the line well. Last year, she over-raced quite often so if we can get her to relax, I’d be quite happy."
Full Count is almost certain to join Sureasyouwereborn on the trips north. He is fresh-up tomorrow in the 1200m Central Southland Cup and holds a nomination for the group 2 Coupland’s Mile on November 9.
"We really just put that in to be a bit cheeky. It’s easier to put one in than think later on we should have.
"He’s got to step up but he wasn’t that far away from the top ones last year, so if he continued to improve from what he did last year, we might give him a blat around in it just for fun."
If a Coupland’s Mile start proves beyond the Shamardal gelding, Full Count will be targeted at races on the same day as Sureasyouwereborn at the cup carnival.
Blatch said tomorrow’s 1200m is right at the bottom range for Full Count, who is still building towards genuine race fitness.
"We gave him a run along this morning and he had a pretty good blow.
"They’re probably just a bit sharp for him over the 1200m, but we’re really just using it as a trial."
Jimmy (rating 65 1200m) is "more forward than the others", but Blatch hopes he doesn’t slip into old fresh-up habits of over-racing.
Holy Mackerel (1600m maiden) was third in this race last year, and will not mind the rain if it arrives.
"I’m really happy with his work and mentally he seems a lot more mature than last year."
