Racing: Al Raza sets her sights higher

Wonder mare Adore Me (left). Photo / NZME.

A chance to take on the country's best mares could be in the offing for Al Raza after her outstanding Oamaru Cup win on the grass yesterday.

The 4-year-old was stylish in the 3000m feature, pulling away from her rivals in the straight to win by 2 lengths.

It was the manner of her win which has co-trainer Geoff Knight contemplating a trip to Addington for the group two Premier Mares' Championship on January 31, especially with wonder mare Adore Me tackling assignments in Australia.

"There are still some very nice mares there, don't get me wrong, but Al Raza is also a very nice horse," Knight said.

The mares' championship will be over 1950m but Al Raza showed some aptitude at the longer distances yesterday which backed up the opinion of regular driver Matthew Williamson.

"Matt's always thought she was a better stayer than a sprinter," Knight said. "That surprised me a little bit because I always thought she had a bit of high speed, which she has, but she does stay on and keep running good sectionals all the time.

"Once she came into the clear and the blinds came down, she kicked. When the plugs came out, she put it beyond doubt."

The daughter of Gotta Go Cullect made a small mistake at the start and she ended up sitting back in ninth as the field reached the winning post for the first time.

"She looked like she was just on the wrong foot, because she is usually safe," Knight said.

"I knew that her manners would get her down into her gait fairly quick. She just lost her early spot but it turned out pretty good."

A placing in the group two mares' feature in two weeks could help the Central Courage Syndicate achieve one of its goals.

"She's earned quite good money this year and the syndicate would love to have her at the Jewels if that ever transpired," Knight said.

"You know what that's like - it's a large mountain to climb but the way she's going, that has to be our aim."