By MIKE DILLON
If you thought Giovana's form has looked good you could be in for a surprise in the $100,000 Whakanui Stud International Stakes at Te Rapa tomorrow.
Owner and trainer Carol Marshall reckons the high class mare has only just developed into the horse she always felt she could become.
"Until now she's always looked on the pretty side.
"Suddenly she looks like a real racehorse."
Marshall feels that the trip to Trentham for the group one Thorndon Mile last month has helped Giovana to progress enormously.
"Not only has it made her fitter but she's eating even more tucker since returning home.
"She's always been such a good feeder, but lately she's been looking for more and I've been giving it to her."
Giovana's effort for second to Tall Poppy in the Thorndon was sensational.
Tall Poppy was never going to be beaten from the home turn, but Giovana gave her eight lengths start from the 350m and finished so fast she was one and a half lengths away at the finish of the 1600m, which proved too short.
The step up to 2000m tomorrow is just what Giovana needs.
"Everything could not be more perfect for her. She's a very fit mare and she likes racing at Te Rapa.
"The only thing I would worry about is if it rains.
"She can handle easy footing, but the only time she has run bad races has been either through bad luck or when the footing is worse than easy."
The females have a strong hand in the race with Country Rose, She's A Meanie and Tall Poppy all having claims, with Cheiron perhaps the best of the males.
Michael Walker felt the 1600m of the Thorndon Mile was too short for Country Rose, the mare running on well in the closing stages from well back in the field to finish fifth. She did the same in the big metric mile at Ellerslie, being beaten only a head by Sir Howard after being squeezed out at the start
Cheiron's Thorndon Mile effort was similarly smart. Rider Noel Harris felt Cheiron would have been second instead of sixth but for being hampered for racing room in the home straight.
Cheiron's winning form has been up to 1600m, but he has been running on in his races as though the 2000m will suit. Also at his level in the handicaps, he is better off racing under the weight-for-age scale.
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest from Sport
Off-colour Warriors steam rolled by St George
The Warriors were out-layed by a much sharper Dragons side. Video / Sky Sport