Racing: Big plans now that top mare is back to her best

Jason Collett. Photo / Bay of Plenty Times

Phase one of the build-up to a Christmas group-race double complete, part two to wrap up next weekend.

That was the report from Pukekohe trainer Richard Collett after November Rain's return to black-type glory in the group two Cal Isuzu Stakes at Te Rapa on Saturday.

The win sealed a start for the 4-year-old in the Zabeel Classic (2000m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day.

If all goes to plan, stablemate Mill Duckie will also put the polish on her group two assignment, the Rich Hill Mile on January 1, in a restricted open 1600m event, at Te Rapa next Saturday.

Mill Duckie was supposed to clash with November Rain in the group two feature.

But Collett had to go back to the drawing board after she was late scratched in a lead-up when her barrier was late opening on Counties Cup day.

"The wheels fell off her preparation a bit, so I just want to get her confidence back again," said Collett.

Collett was thrilled to see November Rain bounce back from her Coupland's Bakeries Mile miss last month.

Nothing went right for her that day from the outside gate. She sweated up appreciably before the event and although blocked for a clear run in the straight, Collett said she was never going well enough.

Collett's son Jason, in his biggest race-day assignment for his dad, always had her travelling sweetly on Saturday, making his run out wide where she's at her best.

It was Collett's second group two win in less than three years of riding, having won the Japan NZ Trophy on Casabella Lane in March.

Richard Collett also has November Rain nominated for the Wellington Cup (2400m) in January, but a start is by no means certain for last season's New Zealand Oaks runner-up.

"She'll stretch to 2400m, but ideally 2000m is probably her best distance," said Collett.

"If she proves she's capable of beating the colts and geldings we might not go to the Wellington Cup."