Racing: Kiwi mares to continue Australian spring campaigns

MELBOURNE - New Zealand mares Bazelle and She's Justa Tad are likely to continue their spring campaigns despite failing to finish among the placings in the A$100,000 ($108,000) Coongy Handicap at Caulfield on Saturday.

She's Justa Tad finished seventh and Bazelle ninth in the 14-horse field, with all honours with the Graeme Rogerson-trained hot favourite Activation, who easily won from Studebaker and former New Zealand mare Uprize.

For Matamata trainer Paul Jenkins, Bazelle's placing followed the disappointment of failing to gain a run in the Caulfield Cup.

The mare was third emergency, though the two in the ballot ahead of her, Lachlan River and Natural Blitz, gained entry through the scratchings of Fight Your Corner and early this morning, Stella Grande.

Bazelle's rider Nick Ryan was caught three and four wide in the run and that put paid to her chances.

"With the fast times they are running today, you just can't afford to be that wide," Jenkins said.

However, he said Bazelle, whose spring race campaign only resumed last weekend after a ligament injury, seemed to have pulled up well.

"If she is still fine we will keep on, though her chances of making the Melbourne Cup field are that much tougher now."

Takanini trainer Rudy Liefting didn't want to make excuses for his mare's run.

However, he agreed being so far back early made her task very difficult.

"She boxed on well, but it is hard in Australia when you are that far back."

Liefting said he would continue with the stint in Melbourne, but is likely to drop She's Justa Tad to 1600m, with a start in the group one Nestle Peters Classic on October 29 a possibility.

"We will try to freshen her up," he said.

Another New Zealand mare, Gee I Jane, finished 11th in the group two Dodo Sprint after being caught at the back of the field.

- NZPA