Racing: Vamperalla needs her space

The No 7 draw appeals to trainer Nick Bishara for Vamperalla at Avondale tomorrow.

It probably also appeals to Vamperalla.

"She seems to like being away from other horses," says Bishara.

Last start Vamperalla finished 10 lengths behind Catalina Lady in sixth place at Ruakaka.

"She drew the No 1 gate at Ruakaka and it may not have helped her," said Bishara.

"Catherine Treymane rode her at Rotorua one day and said she felt claustrophobic early then roared home to finish fourth."

When Vamperalla won at Te Rapa two starts back she led and was clear of other horses in the home straight. Most of the opposition scouted wide and at no stage crowded her space.

Whether she leads or not in tomorrow's 12-horse field, Vamperalla should be in clear space from her No 7 barrier draw.

"I'm very happy with her," says Bishara.

"When she lined up at Ruakaka I thought it was just a matter of finishing 1,2 or 3."

Weight is likely to be a crucial factor.

With senior riders in the saddle, Vamperalla has been carrying her full weight lately, 54.5kg, 56kg and 57kg and tomorrow she will go around with just 52.5kg.

Some form guides list her with a book weight of 57.5kg, but she officially has 55.5kg.

Apprentice Harmony Moki will pull 3kg off Vamperalla's back and the 52.5kg looks a nice weight in this type of race.

Sir Kinloch is an interesting runner as a group one winner running in a R92 race.

Even with no apprentice allowance and Lisa Cropp in the saddle, he looks well in this type of race with 57.5kg.

If Sir Kinloch is going to come back to anything like his best form it has to be here.