KEY POINTS:
New Zealand mare Ticklish surprised many with her gutsy third in the Lightning Stakes at Moonee Valley on Saturday and new trainer Steven Pinfold isn't ruling out more hit-and-run raids across the Tasman.
Ticklish was flying back to Auckland last night after finishing only 2 lengths behind one of Australia's best sprinters in Miss Andretti over the 1000m dash.
Pinfold said she might have even finished closer had it not been for her lack of experience at Moonee Valley.
"She just wobbled around the corner a bit and it probably cost her, but she was very game."
Pinfold only began training Ticklish at his complex at Karaka, south Auckland, five weeks ago after her transfer from Otago, but he showed gutsy judgment in tackling the Melbourne feature.
"At least we know now she is up to them," he said.
Pinfold said he wouldn't like to run Ticklish against Saturday's opponents over anything further than 1000m at present, but hopes she will develop well enough to be competitive over 1200m in top company in time.
He doesn't plan to spell her, but isn't sure yet about her next assignment. A $40,000 1100m sprint at New Plymouth in a fortnight is a possibility.
"She's just loving it at the moment, but we will wait and see how she is by the middle of the week before deciding."
Pinfold would like to return with her to Melbourne, perhaps in the spring. "I would like to see her on the straight course at Flemington. That might suit her more."
Saturday's third earned Ticklish's connections A$45,000 ($51,000).
- NZPA
