Stephen Marsh is anticipating strong runs from his group one contenders at Trentham today but it is at their next starts that he is expecting to see the best of the pair.
The Cambridge trainer will be represented by Chocante and Sofia Rosa in the Rydges Wellington Captain Cook Stakes(1600m).
"Chocante went a slashing mile first-up last preparation when he was really fresh, but he didn't have that long a spell after Sydney and there might be a couple a bit too sharp for him over the trip," Marsh said.
The son of Shocking placed twice during his Australian spring campaign and finished within five lengths of the wonder mare Winx when third in his resuming run at Randwick in the group two Chelmsford Stakes (1600m).
"I can't fault him, but he'll be much better second-up over 2000m in the Zabeel Classic," Marsh said.
He voiced a similar opinion of stablemate Sofia Rosa, who hasn't raced since she was unplaced in the group one Livamol Classic (2040m) at Hawke's Bay.
"She's well and both of mine will be really primed for the Zabeel Classic," Marsh said yesterday.
The stable also has winning hopes at Ellerslie with Rocanto in the Ray White NZ 1200m and last season's group two Rich Hill Mile (1600m) winner Ruud Not Too in the Dunstan Feeds 1500m Championship Qualifier.
"I'm really happy with Rocanto, he's going great and has really turned the corner," Marsh said. "His last win was good and he'll have this run and then into the Railway.
"I think Ruud Not Too is a big improver and she's ready to run a top race."
