Marsh’s youngsters rated on a par

Stephen Marsh has a pair of aces to play in the Group One feature at Awapuni this weekend and he’s keeping a straight face on the outcome.

The Cambridge trainer has two genuine contenders in the Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes with Rocanto and Nahema to chase Saturday’s pot of gold.

“It’s a strong hand and while Nahema hasn’t had the racing or got the ring craft of the other horse, she is very smart,” Marsh said.

“She’s not as strong as Rocanto at this stage, but she has got the ability. I certainly don’t look at her as the second stringer – she has just as good a chance as him.”

Nahema won first time out at Te Aroha last month and eight days later she finished runner-up in the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes.

She was narrowly beaten by Serena Miss after being crowded for room in the closing 50 metres and a subsequent protest against the winner was unsuccessful.

“She had a few days off after that and I can’t fault her,” Marsh said.

Rocanto has won three of his five starts and is coming off a last-start third in the Gr.1 Diamond Stakes. Both his defeats have come at Ellerslie.

“Getting back left-handed is one of the keys for him,” Marsh said. “The 1400 metres shouldn’t worry him and his work has been great, everything is spot on with him.

“I can’t get him any better. He’s done a great job and I’ll spell him after this and look forward to the three-year-old racing.”

A winning result from either of the Marsh runners would crown a dream season for first season sire Per Incanto, whose son Dal Cielo won the Gr.1 Diamond Stakes.