Wessex, whose three wins feature a decisive front-running victory in the Rotorua Stakes (1400m) earlier this year, and in just two outings further she ran third in last season’s Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic.
“I think the Rich Hill Mile on New Year’s Day could be a nice race for her and if she ran well in that we might keep her ticking over for the Elsdon Park ($1 million Aotearoa Classic, 1600m),” Forsman said.
He also has Ethereal Star and Bella Ragazza in the Wentwood Grange 3YO (1200m), although the former may not front up.
“I’m happy with her, but I don’t know if it’s the right race,” Forsman said.
“It’s a small field and she’s got a niggly draw [seven] so it’s 50/50 whether she’ll run, I might wait for Pukekohe.”
Ethereal Star enjoyed a lucrative juvenile campaign with success in the Listed Challenge Stakes (1100m), finished runner-up in the Karaka Million (1200m) and fourth in the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m).
However, the Snitzel filly was below par in two unplaced runs in Melbourne earlier this season.
“It’s often a time when they’re growing and can be all a bit much for them,” Forsman said.
Bella Ragazza won on debut last term and then finished in behind the major players in stronger company.
“She won early on in a soft sort of race and then lost her way a little bit,” Forsman said.
“She’s by Tivaci so we’ve given her some time and hoping that she can relax and hit the line well on Saturday and that will give us confidence to get up to 1400m and a mile this preparation.”
Forsman’s Te Rapa team is completed by Armino in the Dunstan Horsefeeds Stayers’ Championship Qualifier (2200m) with Medina a doubtful starter in the Power Farming Handicap (1300m) from a wide barrier (14).
Armino was a close fourth at Pukekohe two runs back and the son of Fastnet Rock then ran eighth under trying circumstances at Te Rapa where he was taken on in front.
“I thought it was a very brave run, a super effort, and if he gets any peace up on speed then he’ll be competitive,” Forsman said. — LoveRacing
