Racing: Marsh happy enough

Sofia Rosa will return to Hawke's Bay for the features. Photo / Trish Dunell

Sofia Rosa's prospects of doubling her tally at the top level have been boosted.

The five-year-old daughter of Makfi hasn't won a race since she claimed the Gr.1 Australian Oaks, but trainer Stephen Marsh was buoyed by her recent resuming effort at Hastings.

In her first appearance for five months, Sofia Rosa struck trouble in the running before she got home well for seventh in the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy and less than four lengths off the winner Close Up.

"Her run was great," Marsh said. "She got skittled at the top of the straight and lost momentum and she got to the line really well after that."

Marsh said Sofia Rosa had come through the race well and she would return to Hawke's Bay for the remaining two legs of the Triple Crown series.

"She'll run in the Windsor Park and she is right on target for the Livamol Classic."

While Marsh was delighted with Sofia Rosa's Tarzino showing, he wasn't quite so enthused with the effort of stablemate Thee Auld Floozie, who finished eighth.

"She had the perfect run and had her chance. I thought she should have done a bit more," he said.

However, the Group One winner of last season's Thorndon Mile isn't known for her fresh record and Marsh will better judge her after the Windsor Park Plate.

"She's done that before first-up and next start over the mile on hopefully a better track should see massive improvement."

- NZ Racing Desk