Racing: Confidence high in Italia camp

Confidence is a valuable commodity going into a $100,000 race.

Drawing barrier No 13 over 1200m is hardly confidence-building.

But co-trainer Ricky Carston has found enough positives around southern filly Italia in tomorrow's $100,000 Robin, Duke Of Bedford Stakes at Matamata.

"I've taken confidence from the fact she doesn't have to be ridden handy," said Carston as he continued preparing Italia from the Pukekohe base of Richard Collett and Shane Hapeta.

"And also from the fact that I've got a Matamata jockey [Vinny Colgan] riding at Matamata.

"Vinny's been around Matamata often enough to know what to do from a wide barrier."

Carston left Italia at the Pukekohe base after winning the $500,000 New Zealand Bloodstock at Te Rapa on February 4.

"I got back here at the weekend and I'm delighted with her work this week.

"We thought the hard race at Te Rapa might have taken the edge off her, but she appears to have flown through the race."

There was no element of fluke about Italia's wins at Te Rapa or Trentham the start before. She hit the line strongly in both races and Colgan thought she may have even had a bit to spare at Te Rapa.

Her chances this time will depend on the luck Colgan can find her before the field reaches the bend at the end of the back straight.

If there is any suggestion of a speed battle up front it will play right into the hands of Hastings-trained Miss Toffelees, who impressed everyone with the flashing sprint she turned on late in the $500,000 Classique to come from last into fourth, beaten only one length.

It certainly impressed rider Chris Johnson.

"Chris couldn't believe the acceleration she's got," said trainer Diane Sargeant.

Locally trained Naturo made a huge impression when she won on debut at Trentham on December 3.

She was eased immediately after that with this race in mind and won a barrier trial at Te Aroha last week.