Racing: Massofdash on path to Oaks

Massofdash ridden by Samantha Collett winning the NZB Insurance Pearl Series 1400. Photo / Andrew Warner

Improving filly Massofdash kept her classic hopes alive when she handled a rise in class with ease to continue her winning habit at Te Rapa.

The daughter of Align has won her last two startsand is trained by her part-owner Jim Collett, who was pleasantly surprised by her performance to claim the NZB Insurance Pearl Series 1200 yesterday.

"I'm pretty proud of what she's done against the older horses, it's never easy."

Collett said Massofdash would now trek south to New Plymouth to continue her preparation toward the New Zealand Oaks, in which she is currently quoted as a $31 chance.

Massofdash was ridden by Collett's daughter Samantha and they came with a well-timed run to down last season's Eulogy Stakes placegetter Zaperb.

The Colletts are confident Massofdash can continue to improve over more ground and the presence of the respective Queensland Derby and Oaks winners Tristina and Giovana, as well as the rugged stayer Watch Officer, in her pedigree augurs well for her future.

Meanwhile, relief was the over-riding emotion for Stephen Marsh after his talented 2-year-old Rocanto put a last-start failure behind him.

The colt returned to the scene of his debut success at Te Rapa to triumph in the NZB Insurance Pearl Series 1200 following a disappointing unplaced effort in the Eclipse Stakes at Ellerslie on New Year's Day.

Rocanto settled off the early speed and was pushed wide by the debutant Zaburn when Mark Du Plessis urged the colt forward across the top.

Rocanto got the better of the pacemaker Unsurpassed in the closing 200 metres to win by a length and a half with the winner's stablemate Girlsarebackintown third.

Marsh hinted at a gear addition for Rocanto's next planned start in the Matamata Slipper on February 21.

-NZ Racing Desk.