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Richard French has yet to confirm Marotiri Miss’ winter programme, but he has signalled his intention to test her stamina during the mare’s current preparation.
The Foxton trainer is keen to try the seven-year-old over ground following her return to winning form over 1400 metres in Saturday’s Harrisons Carpet @ Your Place North Island Challenge Stakes.
“I’m going to play it by ear with her, but I certainly would like to stretch her out to 2000 metres this year and I’m sure she’ll cope,” French said.Raced by breeders Beven and Christine Parlato, Marotiri Miss has been a loyal servant of the stable and has previously shone at Group Three level with placings in the Winter Cup and the Merial Metric Mile.
Leading up to Trentham, the daughter of Al Akbar had finished in behind the major players in the Listed Rotorua Stakes for rider Sam Spratt.“It was a brave move by Sam to cut the corner and that’s what got her fourth,” French said.
Runner-up in the Challenge Stakes 12 months ago, Marotiri Miss was able to go one better after overcoming a tardy start.She settled at the back of the small field under Chris Johnson, who brought her with a well-timed finish and put a desperately unlucky visit to Trentham last month behind her. She had run third to Taurus after being blocked for room in the straight.
“She was very stiff, but it’s just one of those things and you have to move on,” French said.Fortune favoured Marotiri Miss this time and she was too good for Shezgorgeous, who led 300 metres from home, with the lightweight Twoznotenough third.