Kenton Wright Race Images
Progressive mare Francaletta will take her chance in black type company at Awapuni next Saturday.
Trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman have identified the Gr.3 Boehringer Ingelheim Metric Mile at Awapuni as an ideal opportunity for the daughter of High Chaparral, who was an easy Rating 85 winner when she resumed at Hastings last time out.
“She came through the race well and the only problem we’ve ever had with her is that she feels hard ground,” Forsman said. “Hopefully, she’ll get two or three stakes opportunities before the tracks firm up.”
The winner of five of her six starts, Francaletta has a booking to Savabeel this year, although there is a chance her racing career could yet be extended.
Meanwhile, plans for the dual Group Three winner and Group One placegetter Eleonora, whose Melbourne spring plans were dashed by an untimely injury, have yet to be confirmed.
“We’re not sure just yet, but she may go first-up to the Karaka Classic at Pukekohe,” Forsman said.