Gifted mare Jaarffi looks well placed to turn her fortunes around on New Year’s Day when she headlines a formidable team at Ellerslie for Lance Noble.
The daughter of Iffraaj will step out in the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) while stablemate Terra Mitica will take aim at the Gr.3 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2400m).
Noble prepares the stakes contenders for Cambridge Stud and they also have in-form runners First Dance in the Eagle Technology (1200m) and Frostfair in the Barfoot & Thompson (1400m), with Warren Kennedy to ride the quartet.
Jaarffi was unplaced last time out in the Gr.3 J Swap Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa, but her Karaka-based trainer quickly moved on from that performance.
“She drew wide and missed the kick, she had her head to the side when they jumped,” he said.
“She got back in a big field and was no chance, after about 10 strides I’d forgotten the race, it was mission impossible.”
Noble is expecting a far more competitive effort from Jaarffi on Wednesday.
“She runs well at Ellerslie, she’s had two starts there for two wins and has a better draw this time and I’m sure she’ll run really well,” he said.
“It is her first time at 1600m, although she won the special conditions race (Rangitoto Classic) over 1500m last prep, so I don’t think it holds any fears.”
Queen Elizabeth contender Terra Mitica placed in the Gr.3 Balmerino Stakes (2000m) before she struck trouble in the running when out of the money in the Gr.3 Counties Cup (2100m).
At her most recent outing, the English-bred six-year-old daughter of Ulysses finished third on the course and will drop 2kg on New Year’s Day.
“She’s not a big mare and she’s had to carry a bit of weight in her last couple of starts,” Noble said.
“What I like about her is that she likes the firm ground at Ellerslie. It’s quite an even field and she’ll get her chance.”
Zousain filly First Dance broke her maiden at her third appearance before a spell and returned to finish fifth over the course and distance earlier this month.
“She needed that run, we gave her a break after she won and went in without a trial,” Noble said.
“She’s done well since and looks well. She’s a three-year-old racing against the older horses, but we are really happy with her.”
Frostfair will bid to complete a hat-trick of wins and the progressive daughter of Written Tycoon looks a stakes contender in waiting.
“I think so, she hasn’t been out of the top four in any of her races and she’s really come of age,” Noble said.
“Her last win was strong, she we gave her a little break and she’s since won a trial nicely at Counties, so she sets up well. She’s got a good barrier and we’re pretty hopeful.” – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
