Racing: Fitness of top filly will decide racing preparation

Shikoba will decide her future racing options this season - not trainer Mark Walker.

New Zealand's leading trainer was full of admiration for the well-built 3-year-old following her determined victory in the $100,000 Sir Tristram Fillies Classic at Te Rapa yesterday.

Walker was quick to point out after the running of the Group Two feature that the physical well-being of Shikoba will decide her racing options for the season.

"She has been in training since June 1 and at some point I expect her to show signs that she's had enough," said Walker.

"The decision to not take her to Wellington has helped as she has put on weight since last racing, particularly over her back.

"It's really undecided if we'll take her to Wellington for the New Zealand Oaks, but I can say she will contest an Oaks this season.

"We're looking at either Brisbane or Sydney with her, but I'm not going to make any concrete plans because she's already had plentyof racing."

Shikoba was given a dream sit outside the front-running Asmahan and lengthened stride easily with 200m remaining to score by three-quarters of a length over the fast-finishing Fancyfree.

A further head away third was another solid finisher, Everswindell.

Shikoba was a sitting duck for any filly good enough to catch her in the home stretch - but none was - clearly underlining her ranking as the No.1 3-year-old filly in New Zealand.

Walker produced her in impressive physical condition after a six-week break.

From a New Zealand Oaks perspective, two runners caught the eye - Fancyfree and Everswindell, who both made ground impressively in the home stretch.

Fancyfree challenged Shikoba with 200m remaining and fought solidly, while Everswindell stormed home after settling off the pace.

Pulcinella battled into seventh after suffering interference when attempting to gain clear racing room in the home stretch.

Victorious jockey Michael Walker could not contain himself after the race, basking in a pleasing return from injury and winning a Group Two event.

"Things couldn't have worked out any better for us as the plan before the race, when I spoke to Mark, was to jump Shikoba out and push forward and then take a sit and wait and see what happens.

"We got outside the leader and everybody else pulled back and took a sit off the speed and my filly relaxed beautifully. It was a good effort because she had had a break from racing."


- HERALD ON SUNDAY