Fresh is best for top quality three-year-old Tajana who has thrived since her impressive return to competition last month.
The Oaks Stud-bred and raced daughter of Darci Brahma was a resuming winner of the Gr.3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) ahead of a second-up tilt at Saturday’s Gr.3 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Sunline Vase (1400m) at Ellerslie.
“She was very good last time and has done fantastically well, I’m pleased we ran her at Ruakaka,” said Shaune Ritchie, who trains in partnership with Colm Murray.
“The four weeks between runs will really suit her. I think she is a natural mile and a-quarter horse, that’s what she’s showing us at the moment.
“Keeping her fresh for these shorter distances is the right way to go and I am expecting her to go really super on Saturday.
“She is a high-quality filly, no doubt, and she has really come on with the trip up there (Ruakaka) and the time to get over the race to really bring her summer coat through.”
Tajana has now won twice from five starts, having broken her maiden last season and placed in the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) and Gr.3 Colin Jillings 2YO Classic (1200m).
Her main spring goal is the Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) and, safely through this weekend, she will have one more outing before the Riccarton feature.
“The program we have going forward, which Rick Williams (The Oaks General Manager) and I have discussed, is a good one,” Ritchie said.
“She will go to the Soliloquy Stakes (Gr.2, 1400m) before we head down to Riccarton.
“She is a laid-back filly and lovely to train, she almost trains herself and the only real concern is the 1400m on Saturday far enough, but I don’t think we could have tackled it any other way.”
Tajana was ridden to victory at Ruakaka by Wiremu Pinn, who will make way at Ellerslie for Geroge Rooke.
“He was promised the ride before he got hurt and he’ll ride her through the season,” Ritchie said.
Tajana is currently the $5 second favourite for the 1000 Guineas behind Saturday’s race rival Lollapalooza at $3.20. – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
