Weekend racing with Iain Hyndman

She's Poppy has been set for the Winter Cup at Riccarton all this prep.

Iain Hyndman's Riccarton Tips
1: Guy Fox, The Shackler, Go Go Gonzo
2: Fire Show, Miss Maxipark, Paris Awaits
3: Manhattan Street, Kensington, Born A Royal
4: Zedace, Mandalay, Mesmerize
5: Wise Men Say, Amanood Lad, The Big Opal
6: Scapolo, Salamanca, Shaara
7: Jamie, Middagurd, Mathieu
8: She's Poppy, Des, Nashville
9: Peso, Hand It To Jonesy, Lovetokeephim
10: Rock Island Line, Ava Marie, Centre Attention
Best Bet: Manhattan Street (R3)

Raymond Connors has had a trouble-free preparation with She's Poppy heading into the Winning Edge Presentations 121st Winter Cup at Riccarton on Saturday.

The Whanganui trainer, who races the mare with father Mark, purposely gave the Alamosa mare two months between races knowing full well she produces her best in a fresh state.

She's Poppy has not run since only just missing to nail Tomelilla by the shortest of noses
in the Listed Ag Challenge Stakes on her home track on Queen's Birthday Saturday.

"It's a pretty handy and big field (Winter Cup), but I am more than happy with her heading in," Connors said.

"The time between races isn't a concern, I've done that on purpose. She races best that way and whatever happens she will back up next week in the open 1800."

The 1600m of tomorrow's assignment is ideal given her fresh start and while her best form has been on heavy tracks, She's Poppy has won on dead and soft.

"I don't think the track will worry her, although there is rain forecast and she'll handle that. The draw (15) isn't a worry either because she will get back anyway and being out wide will be the place to be if it does rain."

She's Poppy has an ordinary record at Riccarton with three unplaced attempts, but Connors is confident she is a completely different prospect this time round.

"She was down here at Cup time when the tracks are usually a bit too good for her and she has matured and is in very different form at a much higher level now."

This race has always been on her programme this time in, while the decision to head south with stablemate Wise Men Say was only made recently.

The classy jumper regained form winning the Wellington Steeplechase last start and takes his place in the NZI Koral Steeplechase on Saturday on his way to the Racecourse Hotel & Motel Grand National Steeplechase next weekend.