Racing: Liefting looks for some compensation

Any remaining New Zealand Oaks high for Rudy Liefting was dissipating by the minute at his Takanini property yesterday.

This time last year Liefting and his wife Megan were the toast of Trentham after Justa Tad's brilliant win in the fillies' feature.

Yesterday Liefting and his vet were anxiously fighting to save the filly he'd hoped could emulate that unforgettable day in Wellington.

Natural-born stayer Miss Trinidad shattered her near front cannon bone at New Plymouth on Saturday leaving her future in serious doubt.

"We're just trying to save her now so we can keep her as a broodmare," said a disappointed Liefting.

"It really is a huge blow. She was an out and out 2400m filly, much like Prize Lady last year.

"People say we were lucky with Justa Tad, but they forget about the trauma you go through to get a good one. We've had our fair share of setbacks along the way."

Liefting is now hoping Justa Tad's half-sister Inspire can deliver some timely compensation at the Avondale meeting today.

Inspire was an early Oaks chance herself until Liefting conceded the Shinko King filly hadn't quite inherited enough of her older sister's class.

Back to R76 grade, however, and Liefting is confident she'll be tough to beat.

She was far from disgraced against Wahid and co at Wellington two starts back over the same trip, fighting hard near the rail without ever getting much room.

Then last time out behind Oaks hope Ritzy Lady she finished out another 1600m strongly for third at Ellerslie on February 8.

"She'll go another good honest race; she always gives her best," said Liefting.

Liefting is also confident of a bold run from stablemate Gimmee D'Cash in the maiden 1400m.

The D'Cash filly ran home stylishly for third in her debut at Ellerslie, also on February 8, and Liefting said she's continued to improve.

"She's working the house down - my only worry is the draw," he said.

Meanwhile, Megan Liefting is putting the final polish on Justa Tad from their Victorian base for her eagerly awaited return to the track in the St George Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

The Lieftings have set last season's leading filly for the Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington two weeks later.

"It's the first time we've raced her over ground first up but she did win a 1600m trial recently and we don't want to sprint her up too early. Last year she started to pull when we did that."

Liefting said new rider Nash Rawiller, who partnered Justa Tad in her trial victory, is confident he can get the 4-year-old mare to settle.