Tessastock on trial for Sir Tristram

Promising staying filly Tessastock can earn herself a return to black type competition with a bold showing on her home track on Friday.

The well-related Tavistock three-year-old has placed once from three appearances and she has the opportunity to open her account in the Matamata Commercial Cleaners 2000.

“She’s drawn the outside gate again and she’s against the older horses, which is never easy, but if she wins we might look at the Sir Tristram Fillies’ Classic at Te Rapa,” trainer Graham Richardson said.

Raced by her breeder Kevin Hickman, she was a runner-up two starts back behind Fame Seeker, who has since run third in the Gr.3 Eulogy Stakes and fourth in the Gr.2 Royal Stakes.

Tessastock then stepped up to a middle distance in the Listed BMW 3YO Salver at Ellerslie where she finished well, after being tightened for room in the straight, for seventh behind Thunder Down Under. She will again be partnered by Craig Grylls.

Richardson will also have two strong chances in the Trac Sports Bar 2000 with Victoryshallbemine and Tiara Concerto.

The former accounted for Call Me Royal, who has been a subsequent Ellerslie winner, at Te Rapa at her most recent appearance.

“She’s going really well and Grant Cooksley rode her beautifully while Tiara Concerto was a bit unlucky last time out,” Richardson said.

Cooksley will continue his association with Victoryshallbemine and Michael Coleman will ride Tiara Concerto, who got home strongly for fourth at Ellerslie when last produced.