Grovana's form and appearance are unlikely to be a guide to her prospects in the C. D. Bloodstock Sale (2100m) race at Otaki tomorrow.
The Matamata mare ran second last at her most recent start and 10th at her previous appearance but still appeals as a genuine winning chance.
She is stepping up to a middle distance for the first time and has been racing without much luck in the best company.
Grovana's last four starts have been in either group one or group two races and tomorrow's assignment represents a significant drop in class.
She finished more than 11 lengths behind Cinder Bella in the group two Travis Stakes (1600m) at Te Rapa on April 28 but was never clear in the straight.
"She never got a run at all," trainer Stephen Autridge said.
"She went to the line being pulled backwards as the leader came back on her."
Grovana's previous start was in the group one Easter Handicap (1600m) at Ellerslie and though finishing 10th, she was not far from the winner. "It was a big run," Autridge said. "She came from last, went 20 wide and still finished only 3 1/2 lengths away."
Before that, Grovana had finished fifth in the group two Japan Trophy (1600m) at Tauranga, beaten 3 1/2 lengths. Those finishing behind her included Saint Cecile, Platonic, Voltaire, Fifty Fifty, Surface, Regency and Forlorna.
"She's been racing against the best and finishing right in behind them, without having a lot of luck."
Grovana is also better on left hand tracks and Autridge is confident she will cope with a middle distance.
"It's not going to worry her at all."
However, Autridge is concerned that Grovana, who will be spelled after tomorrow's race, might be past her peak.
"She comes up quickly but she also goes down quickly and I would rather this race had been three weeks ago. But there were no suitable middle distance races.
"But I don't think it's too late and it's still worth taking her down and having a go."
Grovana still has some maturing to do and Autridge doubts whether she will gain any admirers in the birdcage.
"She's the worst looking horse you have seen in your life.
"The first year I had her, she didn't eat for the first three months.
"But next year will be her year."
A rising six-year-old by Grosvenor, Grovana has had only 25 starts. She is raced by veteran owner-breeder Eric Hopson and her dam, Impasada, won three group races and was the 1988 filly of the year.
- NZPA
Racing: Prospects better for Grovana
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