Race Images Christchurch
Graham Richardson is spreading his forces this weekend.
The Matamata trainer will have three runners at his local meeting on Saturday while Strada Cavallo and Lauberhorn will be sent south for the Gr.3 Wellfield Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) at Trentham.
Richardson's pair will be genuine hopes in a capacity field for the $70,000 Desert Gold.
Strada Cavallo was the runner-up in the Gr.1 1000 Guineas at Riccarton in the spring and recorded two respectable efforts at the Ellerslie Christmas carnival.
The Alamosa filly settled back in the Gr.2 Eight Carat Stakes (1600m) and ran on late for sixth, recording the third fastest final 600m.
It was planned to ride her closer to the pace in the Gr.2 Royal Stakes (2000m) and she ended up in front.
"That hadn't been the plan," Richardson said. "We had tried her in front before and it didn't work.
"She's a good filly and we are happy with her but things haven't gone her way the last couple of starts."
The Gr.1 Wellfield New Zealand Oaks remains the main target for Strada Cavallo and she is likely to have her final lead up to the Trentham classic in either the Gr.3 Little Avondale Lowland Stakes at Hastings on March 2 or the Gr.3 McKee Family Sunline Stakes at Ellerslie three days later.
Strada Cavallo was bred by Nearco Stud, which is also part of the syndicate that races the filly and Nearco also bred Lauberhorn, who is raced by the Challenge Syndicate.
Lauberhorn, a daughter of Swiss Ace, has won two of her last three starts. She won a three-year-old maiden at Avondale in December and beat 13 rivals in a Rating 65 1400m at Tauranga at her last start.
Between wins, she was unplaced in a Rating 65 at Ellerslie, after drawing the outside barrier in a 14-horse field and being held up for a run in the straight.
"She's really tough and keeps giving," Richardson said.
Chris Johnson rides Strada Cavallo on Saturday and Mark Hills is sticking with Lauberhorn.
Douro, Snapshot and Jubilate will be Richardson's runners at Matmata.
Snapshot, who lost his unbeaten record when runner-up to Passing Shot at Te Rapa at his last start, tackles the BNZ Partners 1300 and Jubilate will contest the Norwood Farm Machinery Centre 1200. Douro will be a leading chance in the J Swap Contractors Breeders Stakes Raceday 1600. – NZ Racing Desk