Racing: Volpe Veloce set to bounce back

Volpe Veloce contests the Windsor Park Stud Japan NZ International Trophy at Tauranga tomorrow. Photo / Trish Dunell

Matamata trainer Graham Richardson, who trains in partnership with Gavin Parker, is confident his Group One winning mare Volpe Veloce can bounce back to form in the Gr.2 Windsor Park Stud Japan NZ International Trophy (1600m) at Tauranga tomorrow.

The five-year-old mare finished eighth behind Melody Belle in the Gr. 1 Haunui Farm WFA Classic (1600m) on an off track at Otaki at her most recent start in late February.

"She is very well," Richardson said. "At her last run she was a bit disappointing and it left me questioning myself about how she went.

"The track at Otaki wasn't right but in saying that it wasn't right for all of them. She just looked uncomfortable the whole way."

Should Volpe Veloce perform to expectations tomorrow, Richardson is keen to push on to the Gr.1 Fiber Fresh NZ Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (1600m) at Te Aroha on April 6.

"All going well it will be on to Te Aroha. It looks an ideal race for her," Richardson said.

Volpe Veloce opened as the $3 favourite with the TAB for tomorrow's contest and the Richardson-Parker stable also has the $9 fourth favourite Tiptronic as a likely starter and he is expected to continue his strong form.

"It is a question of if we go around this week or the following week at Palmerston North in the Awapuni Gold Cup (Gr.2, 2000m) with Tiptronic," Richardson said.

"It comes down to the weather. He wants a good track and if it rains next week after scratching this week, it would be disappointing.

"He could be an Easter Handicap (Gr.2, 1600m) horse. I do believe he is a better horse right-handed and he likes Tauranga and he likes Ellerslie." Richardson has three solid chances on the undercard with La Mia Stella, Short Fuse and Incantesimo representing the stable.

"La Mia Stella is a pretty handy horse and once again has got a very ordinary draw (9) but she does go very well. It is a strong field."

Meanwhile, Richardson said Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) winner Sponge Bob was just ticking over after being hampered in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) in which he finished 15th.

- NZ Racing Desk