Racing: Costa Viva to pay for Xmas ham

Costa Viva, right, is on target for the Eight Carat at Ellerslie. Photo / Getty Images

It appears trainer Jason Bridgman is slightly more chirpy about the chances of Costa Viva in the $100,000 Cambridge Stud Eight Carat than good-quality gelding Chambord in the $100,000 Lindauer Great Northern Guineas at Ellerslie on Thursday.

Essentially because the Matamata horseman sees Chambord as still a work in progress.

Chambord finished a terrific three-quarters of a length second to Atlante in the 2000 Guineas at Riccarton and may have been more difficult to hold out if he'd relaxed more mid-race.

He was given a short break and trialled well at Cambridge two weeks ago.

"He really needed that trial," said Bridgman. "I believe his class will take him right into this, but it is not his campaign grand final by any means and if he can switch off and find the line well we'll be very happy.

"He's drawn well and should get a nice trip."

The stable has All Decked Out in the race and Bridgman is tipping an improvement.

"We've put the blinkers on him and they'll make a difference. He's been a big baby that's lacked focus. It's a matter of him being more generous with them on. He relaxed well for Opie [Bosson] in his trial. We were happy with him that day. He'll find the line well - the 1600m will suit well."

Bridgman also has Aspen engaged (Alamosa-Kirin Belle), who has a win and a subsequent seventh to his name.

He shows a lot of promise and this race will be interesting to watch.

He's one punters can take notice of here to see what he does.

"He got too far out of his ground when seventh at Te Aroha, but we learned a lot about him that day. He's certainly a Derby prospect."

Bridgman is far from delighted with Costa Viva's No 10 barrier in what should be a competitive race in the Eight Carat.

"As long as she can get away she should be able to take a sit somewhere near enough."

Costa Viva has not raced since the 1000 Guineas at Riccarton, but Bridgman says the Cambridge barrier trial two weeks ago has brought her on to somewhere close to her best.

"If she's to back up in the Royal Stakes [2000m] next week then she has to be close to her best fitness this time otherwise it's too tough on them.

"She's got a pretty good constitution."

Stablemate Flirty Gerty has not competed against this class in her brief career, but she raced against older horses last time, which is difficult at this time of year, and raced away to score easily.