Cantina
Race Images Christchurch
Kathryn Thomson wasn't filled with confidence when she first clapped eyes on Cantina.
The Rangiora trainer described the former northern mare as plain at best, but looks are deceiving and the five-year-old has proved herself to be a welcome addition to the stable.
Cantina has two wins and a placing from four appearances since arriving from the Cambridge yard of Shaune Ritchie.
"She's easy to have around and gets on with her job," Thomson said. "She's got all the ability, but you wouldn't think so looking at her – she's tall and rangy and she's only just starting to strengthen up so the best is yet to come."
After Cantina was unable to add to her maiden win at Pukekohe, Thomson was offered the horse by Westbury Stud's Russell Warwick, who stood the mare's sire Cecconi.
"I've had a few through Westbury so Russell didn't need to ask twice and I'm thrilled with her," Thomson said.
Cantina will attempt to complete a hat-trick of wins when she steps out in The Jolly Potter Stayers at Friday's South Canterbury meeting and, as long as the track remains reasonable, she is expected to go close.
"She's very well and good to go again, Thomson said. "As soon as the tracks deteriorate she'll go out for a spell and then I'll bring her back for the spring."
Cantina will be ridden by Alysha Collett and her fellow northern jockey Matt Cameron might prove her sternest rival with the champion rider to partner Hushed, who collected a win and a placing at the recent Marlborough meeting. – NZ Racing Desk.
The Rangiora trainer described the former northern mare as plain at best, but looks are deceiving and the five-year-old has proved herself to be a welcome addition to the stable.
Cantina has two wins and a placing from four appearances since arriving from the Cambridge yard of Shaune Ritchie.
"She's easy to have around and gets on with her job," Thomson said. "She's got all the ability, but you wouldn't think so looking at her – she's tall and rangy and she's only just starting to strengthen up so the best is yet to come."
After Cantina was unable to add to her maiden win at Pukekohe, Thomson was offered the horse by Westbury Stud's Russell Warwick, who stood the mare's sire Cecconi.
"I've had a few through Westbury so Russell didn't need to ask twice and I'm thrilled with her," Thomson said.
Cantina will attempt to complete a hat-trick of wins when she steps out in The Jolly Potter Stayers at Friday's South Canterbury meeting and, as long as the track remains reasonable, she is expected to go close.
"She's very well and good to go again, Thomson said. "As soon as the tracks deteriorate she'll go out for a spell and then I'll bring her back for the spring."
Cantina will be ridden by Alysha Collett and her fellow northern jockey Matt Cameron might prove her sternest rival with the champion rider to partner Hushed, who collected a win and a placing at the recent Marlborough meeting. – NZ Racing Desk.