Racing: Gallopers shake off cobwebs

Miss Potential strengthened her chances of a start in the $200,000 group one Mudgway Stakes at Hastings when she was a decisive winner at the Te Teko trials.

The group one winner left regular rider Reese Jones confident she would be at the Hawkes Bay meeting on August 27 to attempt to go one better in the weight-for-age 1400m event, in which she finished second to Starcraft last year.

"She's about 70 per cent fit at this stage and with a bit more work I think she can get to the Mudgway," Jones said.

"I went down to Paeroa to ride her in a gallop about 10 days ago and she was pretty fat. But that gallop helped her and this trial will bring her on a lot more."

Miss Potential won her open 1000m heat this week without being really pressured and at the finish she was 1 1/4 lengths ahead of the runner-up, Mandela.

Mandela, the group one New Zealand Derby placegetter, is also bound for the Mudgway Stakes and trainer Richard Otto has hopes that stablemates Pacific Dancer and Penitentiary will also start in the race.

Pacific Dancer won an open 1200m heat from Distinctly Secret at Te Teko, while Penitentiary finished a handy fifth in an open 1000m trial.

Clifton Prince, a top 2-year-old two seasons ago and a talented sprinter last term, showed he has lost none of his speed when winning Penitentiary's heat from Point Guard, Travellin' Man and Rapid Kay.

Clifton Prince is likely to resume at the Taupo meeting on August 17.

Travellin' Man is a chance to contest the $35,000 listed Foxbridge Plate at Te Rapa on Saturday week.

Dr Green, one of last season's quickest 2-year-olds, looks in for a big season judging by his appearance and performance in winning the 3-year-old 1000m catchweight heat.

Dr Green, ridden by Andrew Calder, trailed his two opponents to the home turn then burst through and raced away for a two-length win from well-bred Love Diamonds.

Trainer Brian Jenkins said Dr Green would probably have another trial at Taupo on August 23.

The other open heat on the programme was won by the promising stayer That's Tops, whose long-range target is the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.

The AJC Oaks placegetter won her 1200m heat by a neck from Ocean Melodie.

- NZPA