Florence Jean
Trish Dunell Photography
John Morell remains focussed on the Gr.3 Hawke’s Bay Breeders’ Gold Trail Stakes on September 23 with Florence Jean, despite a hiccup to the filly’s programme.
The Te Rapa owner-trainer was forced to bypass the opening day of the Hastings carnival after the three-year-old was laid low by a virus.
“We’re working her along quietly,” Morell said. “She’s eating again now and feeling livelier so we’ll go down for the Gold Trail, she usually races well fresh.
“I’m hoping she can get up to 1400 metres and a mile later. She relaxes so I think she will run on alright.”
Florence Jean’s only defeat in three starts came in the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes when she was checked at the start and made late ground for sixth.