The finish of the Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes at Te Rapa a few weeks ago told us a couple of things.
Although Thee Auld Floozie was narrowly beaten, it showed the grey mare has peaked at least three or four times this preparation, something few horses can do.
It also showed that Sofia Rosa, the stablemate, was looking to jump from that 1600m to 2000m and was looking also for more rain.
She is guaranteed the former in tomorrow's $100,000 Travis Stakes and if the weather forecast is correct at least some morning rain. A front is predicted to cross the northern half of the North Island tomorrow, with the major rain from late afternoon until Sunday morning.
That should have the track conditions perfect for Sofia Rosa. Her effort for fifth last start was stylish where she made up a huge amount of ground late to be 2.2 lengths behind Charmont and two lengths from Thee Auld Floozie.