Racing: Behind-scenes toil pays for Harris

Sofia Rosa is set for her first race since the Travis Stakes at Te Rapa. Photo / Race Images

Troy Harris has yet to ride Sofia Rosa on race day, but he has been hands-on with the Group One winner for some time.

The Cambridge jockey's behind-the-scenes work with the Stephen Marsh-trained mare is now to be rewarded with a Triple Crown opportunity.

"Troy rides her in all her trackwork and he was her strapper when she won the ATC Oaks and he'll have first refusal of the ride," said Bruce Perry, who manages owner Lib Petagna's bloodstock portfolio.

"She's had a jump-out and she's coming up very well. We're all happy with her and she will be going straight to Hawke's Bay for the Tarzino Trophy."

Sofia Rosa's performance in the opening Group One event of the season on September 2 will decide the rest of her year.

"At this stage, the intention is to race on for another season, but that depends on how she goes and otherwise we could look at putting her in foal," Perry said.

"There's a few options and if she runs well first-up we could head toward the last two legs at Hawke's Bay or even look at Melbourne."

Sofia Rosa hasn't raced since she finished third in the Gr.2 Travis Stakes at Te Rapa in the autumn.

Petagna also races the Savabeel mare Nicoletta, who enjoyed a rewarding three-year-old season and is being aimed toward the Gr.1 Livamol Classic at Hastings.

"She's back in work and looking really well," Perry said.

Trained by Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman, Nicoletta won the Gr.3 Desert Gold Stakes last season and placed in the Gr.2 Sir Tristram Fillies' Classic. She was spelled after finishing fourth in the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks.

- NZ Racing Desk.