Itz Cherry Ripe is getting moody ... and trainer James Stormont couldn't be happier.
The former high-class juvenile has returned to her best form in recent weeks for the Pukekohe trainer-driver and headlines a strong final leg of the $100,000 Pick6 tonight.
Drawn outside in-form mares Return ToGold, Cyclone Night and Montana Mach, Itz Cherry Ripe is going to need to be good, but Stormont thinks the tiny filly can overcome her disadvantage.
"Like most good fillies or mares, she has been a handful and a bit stroppy lately, which is a good thing. It oftens shows they are very well," said Stomont.
"She is very aggressive and just a different horse around the stables and I think that is showing on the track.
"She really won easily last week and I think she can win again as long as she gets a decent run."
Itz Cherry Ripe is scheduled for retirement to the broodmare paddock this season but if she keeps improving big-spending owner Don Ha might be tempted to give her a 4-year-old season as well.
While she will start favourite tonight those chasing the Pick6, which has an earlier start time than usual, might be reluctant to anchor Itz Cherry Ripe.
Both the Steven Reid-trained Return To Gold and Gareth Dixon's Cyclone Night have been impressive winning lately and have the gate speed to go forward, always a crucial factor over sprint distances at Alexandra Park.
Stormont also rates his chances in the second leg of Pick6, race four, although he will have to watch stable rep Royal Don from the stands as it is an event for junior drivers.
Royal Don was a fighting fifth fresh-up in a far stronger field last Friday and will have experienced junior reinsman Simon Jones in the sulky.
"I thought his run last week was good and I can see a few off the front line here stepping and wanting to go hard, which would suit my fella," said Stormont.
"He has to be hard to beat."
Stormont will partner the talented CJ Lobell in race two, but while he was impressed by the lightly-raced 4-year-old's narrow but courageous victory last start, says barrier seven makes tonight's assignment more difficult.
