Stable moving on after Coupland setbacks

Jason Bridgman has taken a philosophical approach to the interrupted Guineas campaigns of his fillies Darci’s Dream and Flaming.

The twice abandoned Ashburton meeting of last Saturday and Monday has resulted in the Listed Ray Coupland Stakes being rescheduled to Saturday’s Riccarton fixture.

“It’s not ideal, but you can’t do anything about it,” Bridgman said. “I like to have time for them to get over a run on hard ground and there’s no margin for error now.

“Hopefully, we’ll get a nice, kind surface at Riccarton on Saturday and then it will be onward and upward.”

Darci’s Dream and Flaming are both quoted at a $10 price for the Gr.1 NZB 1000 Guineas behind the $3.50 favourite O’Marilyn.

“They are both solid each-way chances at this point and after Saturday we will have a much clearer idea,” Bridgman said.

Darci’s Dream is unbeaten in two appearances this season with an 1100 metre Taupo win to kick off her campaign, followed by success in the Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes.

Flaming’s sole appearance resulted in a fast-finishing second to O’Marilyn in the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes at Hastings.

Bridgman will also have 1000 Guineas contenders at two other venues in the next three days.

Last-start Taupo maiden winner No Tricks will be in action at Ellerslie on Saturday while Viva La Difference runs at Te Rapa on Monday.

“Getting up to 1400 metres will clarify things more and we will decide whether we take them down for the Guineas,” Bridgman said,

No Tricks is currently an $18 chance for the Riccarton classic while Vive La Difference is at $31.