Tootsie Chases First Group One Win At Morphettville
- Friday, 19 March 2010 05:33
Tootsie will get her chance to register her first Group One victory on Saturday when she contests the $300,000 Sportingbet Classic (1200m) at Morphettville according to her trainer Michael Moroney.
Whilst he concedes starting from barrier 18 of 20 is far from ideal in what he describes a “very competitive mares race”, Moroney believes Tootsie can win if jockey James Winks rides her more quietly from the gates.
“She got beaten fair and square in New Zealand (Group 1 Trentham Stakes) but was a bit slow away,” Moroney told the Virtual Formguide.
“Just from the barrier draw, we’ll probably have to ride her back which we’ve done before.”
Winks has never ridden the five-year-old mare previously.
Moroney is well aware that Saturday’s race will be Tootsie’s tenth run this season but more racing is to be added to her agenda shortly.
“She’ll head to Queensland after this.”
“She’s currently on lease and it ends in July so she’ll race through till then,” Moroney added before confirming a race such as Group 1 Winter Stakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm could be her main aim after tomorrow.
After finishing second in the Listed Northwood Plume Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield last October, Tootsie struggled slightly over the remaining Melbourne Spring Carnival and returned to New Zealand.
Tootsie bounced back quickly by finishing second in the Trentham Stakes (1200m) before winning the Group 3 TBV Mannerism Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 20 ahead of last start winner Be Positive.
She boasts a record of seven wins and five placings from 23 starts with over $370,000 in prizemoney next to her name.
Tootsie is by Pins out of unraced O'Reilly mare Hyades who is a half-sister to Listed winner La Rose Noir who is the dam of stakes winner Espurante.
With the David Hayes-trained Irish Lights scratched, Tootsie is currently rated a $21 chance to win Saturday’s Sportingbet Classic with TAB Fixed Odds with Velocitea the favourite at $5.
To view fields and form for the Sportingbet Classic, click here.
Pictures: Fiona Tomlin & Sportpix
