Stakes performer going in right direction - trainer

Designated Driver’s connections are optimistic that she is returning to the form that has earned her a Group One credit.

Her performances have been patchy since she finished runner-up to the high class sprinter Sacred Star in the Telegraph Handicap 18 months ago, but more recent signs have been encouraging.

“We think she is starting to work back to it now,” co-trainer Mick Brown said.

Designated Driver has only had eight starts between times and two of them were on her home track, a course she has displayed a frustrating aversion for.

“In a four horse jump-out against maidens at Hastings she would still get beaten and we have no idea why,” Brown said.

By contrast, Designated Driver is unbeaten in two visits to Wanganui where she will step out on Saturday in the Listed Ag Challenge Stakes.

It will mark her second attempt at 1600 metres following a sixth placing, after racing three wide without cover, in the Listed Anzac Mile at Awapuni in April.

“We think she will run the mile and we’re sure she can even go further,” Brown said.

Last time out, Designated Driver headed north for the Listed Rotorua Stakes and she did well to come through inside of runners to finish fourth.

“She was just caught in the wrong part of the track and she’s done well since,” Brown said.

The Listed Team Wealleans Tauranga Classic on June 25 and the Gr.3 eStar Winter Cup at Riccarton on August 6 are future options.