Trainer has stakes hopes despite set-back

As one Group door closes, another is open for David Greene’s Waikato stable.

The season is over for the Te Rapa trainer’s leading mare Stolen Dance, but her barn mate Rising Shot will have an opportunity this Saturday to post an appropriate first black type success in the Gr.2 Westbury Classic.

The Red Giant four-year-old is raced by Westbury Stud principal Gerry Harvey.

Rising Shot enjoyed a brief let-up following her fourth placing in the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day and she is in good shape for the weekend.

“She trialled very well at Avondale – she’s pretty forward and 1400 metres in a slightly fresh state should be ideal for her,” Greene said.

Rising Shot has come a long way in a short time with three wins from her nine starts and a runner-up finish in the Gr.2 Cal Isuzu Stakes two runs back.

Meanwhile, Stolen Dance will return in the spring after a persistent foot problem has resulted in the daughter of Alamosa going for a lengthy break.

“Things didn’t work out for her so we’ve drawn stumps,” Greene said.

“She’s had a niggling problem with her hoof since she came back from Wellington.”

A Group Two and Three winner, Stolen Dance is a multiple Group One placegetter who hasn’t raced since she was out of the money in the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile at Trentham in January.

“We didn’t want to force anything and fortunately her owners understand the game and they are putting the horse first,” Greene said.