3 minute read

Improving mare Tiger Eyes will be tested outside of her comfort zone at Canberra on Friday, in a bid to bring up her fourth straight victory.

A recent addition to Matthew Dale stable, the daughter of Choisir has continued to raise the bar this preparation, culminating with a hat-trick of victories at Thoroughbred Park last start.

Formerly trained by Paul Messara, Tiger Eyes broke through for her maiden win at her second start for the Dale camp, when saluting by over 10 lengths at Wagga.

Following up that performance with two handy victories, Dale will now try the mare beyond 1200m for just the second time in her career.

"I think the main query is whether she will see out the 1400m," Dale said.

"I've always thought that she would get 1400m, she's got that high cruising speed and that sort of action.

Lining up in the fifth event against similar opposition to what she faced last start, Dale felt Tiger Eyes was very well placed.

"It's the right race for her to be attacking the 1400m for the first time, it appears a nice progression as she does look well placed at the weights," Dale said.

"It's extremely hard to win three in a row anywhere and its obviously even harder to win four in a row, but she's going well and I can't fault her."

Drawn one of the widest gates, Dale said Tiger Eyes doesn't have to lead and can take a sit if required.

"From a wide gate she has the option to roll across and dictate the race, but if a couple do want to push up inside her, she can take a drop off them," Dale said.

Having only missed the money once in her eight career starts, Dale said he could look to test her in tougher company at her next start, with all going well on Friday.

"We'll just wait and see how she gets through tomorrow, I had nominated for a NMW race at Canterbury on Monday, but just happy to keep taking her through her grades at this stage," Dale said.

"There is no rush with her and we'll just reassess after tomorrow."