Peter Rubery – Race Images Palmerston North
Back In A Flash will be at the top of her game when she defends her unbeaten record at Rotorua on Saturday.
The talented daughter of Ekraar hasn’t surprised her connections with her progress so far and they are tipping another bold showing in the Keano Sire of 80% Winners to Starters 3YO (1400m).
“She’s been working really well and we’re expecting her to run very well on Saturday,” said Gavin Opie, who trains the filly with his father Keith.
“After this, she’ll have a quiet week and then we’ll get her ready for the Naki Challenge at New Plymouth.
“She’s 80 per cent sure to go to the paddock after that, she’s been up a long time and even if it doesn’t come off she’s done a great job.”
Back In A Flash, who will be partnered by Andrew Calder, overcame a chequered run to win on debut at Te Teko and she followed that up with success at Awapuni where she unwound strongly to retain her perfect record.
“She’s always showed us a lot and in her first trial she had a quiet one and ran third and Michael McNab rode her and said she was a really nice filly,” Opie said.
“We put her aside after that and she wasn’t really ready for her next trial at Te Aroha, but she still won easily.”
The stable also has a top winning chance in Saturday’s Racing Rotorua 1560m with Ticket To Ride.
“She’s got the heart of a lion and just loves being a racehorse,” Opie said. “She’s only been out of the money six times and five of them were when we were teaching her to settle in her races.”
Ticket To Ride has won two of her last three starts and will benefit from Jasmine Fawcett’s two kilo claim. – NZ Racing Desk.