Racing: Venus Serena seeks to ace rivals

Venus Serena (outer) is an each-way hope at Forbury Park. Photo / Peter Meecham

A first go at a standing start on race night is no problem for Venus Serena, but the 30m handicap could be.

The darling of her 2- and 3-year-old years, Venus Serena comes into tonight's $25,000 4- and 5-year-old championship at Forbury Park on the back of a group one win against the country's best mares in the New Zealand Breeders Stakes.

Her trainer Geoff Dunn said tonight's feature at Forbury Park had been on the radar, but it all depended on her recovery from her one-length win at Addington on March 20.

"She was good as gold - she ate up everything and was as happy as Larry. That's why we decided to come down," he said.

The one sticking point was how much ground she would need to give to her rivals in the 2700m and the answer is 30m.

"We were going to be off a decent mark - that was the only thing - but that's the way it is with her anyway, because she came out at open class from her 3-year-old year," he said.

"But she seems really well and it will be her first standing start on raceday, which will be quite interesting, but she seems to have gone away at the trials before."

The daughter of Mach Three should not be too cramped for space with only Isaiah joining her on the 30m mark.

Dunn, who was in Dunedin this time last year for Venus Serena's Nevele R heat win - said he would leave it up to his driving nephew John Dunn to work out where to position the mare.

"I'm not too worried. We'll just see if she gets a nice trip, but it will depend on how the pace is on what Johnny does.We'll see where the opposition end up."

West Melton trainer Cran Dalgety opted for an up-and-comer over an experienced stablemate when he assessed the chances of his four runners in the $20,000 Nevele R fillies' heat.

On The Town has just five starts and two wins under her belt, but has drawn kindly at barrier one, while Katy Perry will need to roar out from barrier eight.

"Out at eight we're in a wee bit of trouble," Dalgety said. "With it only being 1700m, it makes it a little complicated. With 2200m, you have time for a mid-race move, but we can only try.

"Just over a short distance, she'll have to work harder than the most, but we'll give her a chance."

And the 1700m was the tipping point for Dalgety angling punters towards On The Town.

"I'd probably lean towards On The Town.

"Lining them up a straight line, Katy Perry would be a bit strong but with On The Town being drawn one, she's a good shot."

Punters should be further encouraged by Dexter Dunn's decision to sit behind On The Town, with brother John taking the drive on Katy Perry.

Dalgety described Storm Maguire as a "little professional placegetter" before producing yet another turn of phrase to sum up her attitude to racing.

"She won't be nominated for next year's Interdominions, but she's a great wee racehorse - always paying her rent every week."

Bettor Think Twice should be much improved after running third at the Rangiora workouts on March 18.

"She's very much the underdog but not without a place chance."