Racing: Hefty weight for Tampiko

Sam Spratt rides Tampiko. Photo / Joel Ford

Tampiko has to deal with a hefty weight rise second-up at Moonee Valley in preparation for a start in the group two Queen Of The South Stakes.

Formerly trained in New Zealand by Mark Walker, the Lonhro mare is shooting for her fifth win at her sixth outing since joining the Peter Moody stable in the Epworth Doctors and Staff Appreciation Hcp (1523m).

The 5-year-old was after her fourth straight win when third to Head North under 59kg in a mares event over 1800m at Caulfield on December 4.

She resumed with a come-from-behind win over True Persuasion and Zedi Knight in a 1200m open handicap carrying 54kg at the Valley on March 18.

However she has been asked to shoulder 60kg today.

"She was super against the boys, back against the girls she pays the weight penalty but I needed to step her up to the 1523 metres to get her ready for a group two race in Adelaide in a fortnight," Moody said.

That race is the A$175,000 ($237,000) Queen Of The South Stakes (1600m) at Morphettville on April 16.

With the stable's number one jockey Luke Nolen riding at the Golden Slipper meeting at Rosehill, Linda Meech has picked up the ride on Tampiko, whom she has ridden once for a win at Kilmore at her Australian debut in October.

Tampiko is A$3.50 favourite with TAB Sportsbet ahead of Lovemelikearock (A$5.50), Mont Fleuri (A$6) with My Emotion at A$8 and Miss Chatter next best at A$9.50.

- AAP