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Progressive mare on trial for Group One test

3 minute read

Summer’s Day is already a winner at Hastings and she may return there next month for a crack at a Group One prize.

Summer's Day winning the Edwards Sound Chairmans Trophy Picture: Trish Dunell

The daughter of Darci Brahma has been in great touch this preparation with four wins, including a successful open class debut and a last-start victory in the Listed Tauranga Classic.

If Summer’s Day produces another bold showing in Saturday’s Listed Powerworx Opunake Cup at New Plymouth then a return visit to the central districts for the Gr.1 Makfi Challenge Stakes at Hastings on August 27 is on the cards.

“If she happens to win again then we might just consider a run in the first one at Hawke’s Bay,” Cambridge trainer Tony Pike said.

Summer's Day has proved her versatility and defied her name during her current campaign with success on rain-affected going.

“She’s come through the grades very well,” Pike said. “She’s a progressive mare and we were concerned that she might not handle the ground last time out at Tauranga.

“She did that without a problem and she has come through the race really well. She’s a mare in great form so there’s no reason not to run again.”

Vinnie Colgan has retained the ride on Summer’s Day after successfully combining with her for the first time at Tauranga.

He will also partner stablemate Suggestions, a half-sister to the Gr.1 Australian Guineas winner Ferlax, in the Sandfords Rural Carriers 1400.

Colgan was aboard the filly when she gained a deserved last-start success at Avondale after finishing runner-up in three of her previous four appearances.