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An association established at Karaka was the catalyst for Maid Of Steel joining Andrew Carston’s Riccarton yard.
The Guillotine mare, who won seven races for Cambridge trainer Tony Pike, will make her southern debut in the Ritchie McCrea Painters and Decorators Open (1400m) at Ashburton on Friday.
“She’s owned by John Goodman, who bred a Pins yearling that Go Racing bought for me at the sales,” Carston said.
“John has kept in contact and he asked me if I’d take Maid Of Steel. She’s been here about a month and I’m happy with her.
“I haven’t done a lot with her, but her work has been good and she looks great. To be fair, her recent form isn’t good but she’s been up against stronger fields. This looks a winnable race.”
Another former North Island galloper in Platinum Raider will also debut for Carston in the McCormick Spraying Maiden (1400m). She has been a multiple placegetter for former trainer Lisa Latta.
“I bought her off Lincoln Farms and Neville McAlister, she’s a mare I had here last year going into the carnival and I quite liked her,” Carston said.
“She’s had three runs this preparation for Lisa and there was merit in all three. She came here in good order and her work has been sound.”
Carston is also bullish about the chances of Madam Swiss in the New Zealand Bloodstock Insurance Pearl Series Race (1200m).
“I really like her and hopefully she’ll be a Guineas filly over the summer,” he said. – NZ Racing Desk.