Racing: Exciting filly keeps options open

Co-trainer Stephen Autridge wins either way with exciting filly Dane Tristalight at Avondale today.

An easy maiden victory, as most expect, and he presses ahead with plans for a clash with stablemate Vegas Showgirl in the 1000 Guineas at Riccarton next month.

If the richly bred grey is tripped up by the wet track, then Autridge reserves her instead for summer classics, like the New Zealand Oaks in January.

"She would have to bolt in at Avondale to stay on track for Riccarton, but I also can't wait to chuck her out and bring her back later," said Autridge.

"She's just carried on improving so much that I know she'd come back an even better horse."

Autridge is also excited about the day the Danehill daughter of one of Cambridge Stud's poster girls, Our Tristalight, steps out over more ground than today's 1600m.

The difference in the filly from her one race, 2-year-old campaign - she finished sixth over 1100m to stablemate Cullemour - to the horse Autridge saddles at Avondale is staggering.

"I believe she'll do whatever you want her to do now - she's not the precocious type anymore," he said.

Factoring in the natural improvement and the extra 200m in her big Guineas trial, only a wet track can stop Our Tristalight in just her fourth career start today.

Autridge is adamant she was a good thing beaten last time out when held up at a vital stage against a much stronger field over 1400m at Ellerslie on September 24.

The Sir Patrick and Lady Hogan owned Dane Tristalight meets nothing as smart as Ististar at the Counties meeting at Avondale.

Autridge tips the Lisa Cropp mount Sun Kissed (race three) as his stable's best hope of success outside the short-priced favourite.

The 4-year-old Mellifont gelding, a recent Cambridge trials winner, is the most improved horse in the stable since a four-month spell.

Roman Chariot (race eight) is also a big winning hope, providing the track is no worse than slow.

The Faltaat colt is a course winner after a similar break and fresh from a fourth to Echo Maid in stakes company at Ruakaka.

Sable (race two) should handle a rain-affected track and is also forward enough to win fresh-up, while last-start maiden winner, Tittletaat (race 10), is ready to follow up.

"Every rider who's ever been on her [Tittletaat] has said the wetter better so she's got to be a good winning chance again," said Autridge.