KEY POINTS:
Karen Zimmerman is hoping her stable's good form at Awapuni yesterday translates into success when King Of Ashford tackles the group two Sandown Classic in Melbourne tomorrow.
Zimmerman had three winners on the Rangitikei card at Awapuni, with Bally Heights and Again 'N Again taking the quinella in race one, followed up by Bonjour in race five and Fair Avon in race six.
The last two were ridden by Darryl Bradley, who travels to Melbourne today to ride King Of Ashford.
"The wins today made up for a horrible day at my home track [Otaki] on Tuesday, so I hope it continues," she said yesterday.
"Certainly, Darryl is coming over in good form."
Zimmerman said it was always the plan for Bradley to ride King Of Ashford at Sandown, after Nash Rawiller had the ride when ninth in the Mackinnon Stakes.
Bradley was aboard when King Of Ashford was second in the Coongy Handicap at Caulfield, a fortnight before the Mackinnon.
"I wanted a Melbourne jockey on for the Mackinnon and was keen for a second opinion on the horse," she said.
As it was, Zimmerman wasn't able to gauge much from the race. "He just got too far back."
However, she was pleased to see him running home well at the end of the race and thinks he will be better suited by the 2400m tomorrow.
She said she wants him a lot handier to have his best chance of beating the Australians.
"The horse is extremely well and has thrived at Mornington where he is based," she said.
King Of Ashford's opposition in the race includes last-start winner Gallant Guru, Casual Pass, Fooram and Brom Felinity.
Matamata mare Hasta La Ciao Ciao runs in the listed Summoned Stakes over 1500m and should be one of the leading chances, after her brave third in the Liberty Stakes at Flemington on Cup Day.
- NZPA
