Defining race for Red Striker

The Ellerslie performance of the diminutive three-year-old Red Striker will decide whether she races on or goes out for a break.

The Jim Collett-trained filly was a deserved last-start winner at Te Rapa after finishing in the money in her six previous appearances and she will face a strong line-up in Saturday’s Super Fence 3YO.

However, she has placed form behind the likes of quality performers O'Marilyn, Attention Seeker and her unbeaten race rival Huka Eagle.

“She won well the other day, although to be fair she did have a few things in her favour and the inside draw,” Collett said.

“Nothing is set in concrete and I think she’s a 1200 to 1300 metres horse. I might give her a break after this and aim toward the Mr Tiz Trophy in March.

“However, if she happened to relax and get home we could look at something else. She is only 14.3 hands high, but she does try really hard.

“Saturday will give me a good line on her and what we do.”

Collett also has a strong hope in the Dunstan Feeds Championship Qualifier with Chazelle, who looks on the verge of top form.

She was a first-up second over a mile and last time out at Te Rapa she made ground late for fourth over 2100 metres.

“She’ll be at her best over 2400 metres and further and, like most people, I want to get her into a good race with no weight – she probably needs to win one more.”

A daughter of High Chaparral, Chazelle is nominated for a number of feature staying events including the Gr.3 Scot Thrust City of Auckland Cup and the Gr.1 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup, a race her mother Bazelle won in 2005.