Taupo trials draw top performers

A pair of Group One winners from Stephen Marsh’s stable will be keeping the best of company when they enjoy a hit-out at Taupo on Friday.

The Cambridge trainer will run Thee Auld Floozie and Sofia Rosa, as well as his Gr.2 Brisbane Cup winner Chocante, in the 1100m trials that will precede the race meeting.

“My three are all coming up great and they will just be enjoying a trip away and a nice day out,” Marsh said. “They won’t be put under pressure.”

The two heats will also feature Group One winners Bonneval, Gingernuts, Jon Snow, Lizzie L’Amour, Luna Rossa, Rangipo and Summer Passage.

“Thee Auld Floozie looks great and she’s having a faultless preparation,” Marsh said. “She’ll definitely run in the first two legs at Hawke’s Bay and then we’ll make a decision where we go.”

Last season’s Gr.1 Thorndon Mile winner will be ridden in the Hastings opener, the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy, by Danielle Johnson.

“Sofia Rosa will go for all three legs and we’ll also be putting in a nomination for the Caulfield Cup,” Marsh said.

Troy Harris will ride her at Hastings while Gr.1 Melbourne Cup hope Chocante will be heading straight to Australia to open his spring campaign next month.

“He’ll run in the Chelmsford Stakes on September 2,” Marsh said. “We know Winx will be there, but he couldn’t win over a mile anyway and it’s a nice race to kick off in.”

Chocante will then run in the Gr. 3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) a fortnight later before ending his Sydney sojourn with a start in the Gr. 1 Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick on 30 September.