 Well respected Cranbourne trainer Bruce Purcell is attempting for a
successful hit and run trip to Sydney on the weekend when good mare Tickle My runs in the
Group Two Emancipation Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday.Tickle My is racing in great form in Melbourne and a lack of races in her home
state saw connections look north for Saturday's $201,400 race.
Purcell is saddling Tickle My up for the Emancipation and
then is planning on returning to Melbourne before a possible trip west.
"Looking ahead we could head for a race like the Marsh
Classic in Adelaide over their carnival next month," Purcell said.
Tickle My was a winner at Flemington two starts back before
being nosed out by Spurn in the Group Two Sunline Stakes at Moonee Valley on March 23.
"She's racing in great heart and I do think she's
probably in the best form now than what she has ever been."
"Since we've been in Sydney for the week all has gone
really well and I'm sure she will acquit herself well on Saturday," Purcell added.
The mare has been stabled for the past few days at Warwick
Farm after Purcell inspected possible locations while attending the Sydney Yearling Sales
last week.
"We tried to find a place that would by as close to
conditions back home and I'm happy with how she's settled in here (at Warwick Farm),"
he said.
Purcell isn't too concerned about the mare having to adapt
to the Sydney style of racing for her first start north of the Murray.
"It's always going to be a query," Purcell said
of the clockwise racing direction. "But she's done everything right in track work. I
realise there is more pressure and things are a bit different in the race, but I'm sure
she will handle is okay," Purcell predicted.
The astute Victorian trainer said that without studying the
form too much he felt Gentle Genius, who chased home Sunline in the recent Coolmore
Classic, could be one of the locals to beat.
Damien Oliver will again be aboard Tickle My on Saturday.
PIC - Quentin
Lang. |
