Dual Group One winner Response is stepping out boldly as she prepares for Saturday’s Bobbie Lewis Quality at Flemington.
It is a positive sign for co-trainers Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra who struggled to keep the five-year-old mare sound last autumn as she battled chronic feet problems.
“She is going well,” Zahra said.
“She had really bad feet problems but this time in we managed them in the paddock and she has come back really sound.
“Her feet have been the key.
“Last preparation it was a real battle and her action was shocking.
“She needed time to warm up in her races and that is why she got so far back.”
Lacking her usual dash, Response was seventh in the Oakleigh Plate and fourth to Black Caviar in the Newmarket Handicap before breaking through the pain barrier to win the Group One Sportingbet Classic (1200m) in Adelaide.
“Even when she won the Group One she was off the bit early but once she balanced up she hit the line well,” Zahra said.
Two unsuccessful runs in the Group One TJ Smith in Sydney and The Goodwood in Adelaide rounded out her autumn campaign.
Response has won and been placed at two of her three first-up runs and from barrier four with Dwayne Dunn aboard she gets her chance to improve on that record on Saturday.
“We just want to make sure the track isn’t too firm,” Zahra said.
Response is one of 19 acceptors for the Bobbie Lewis and will carry 56.5kg.
Oakleigh Plate winner Eagle Falls is the 58kg topweight ahead of Toorak Toff (57kg).
The race also heralds the return of Group One Coolmore Classic winner Aloha (56.5kg) and three-time Group One-winning mare Yosei, while 2009 Golden Slipper Stakes winner Phelan Ready, Queensland sprinter Temple Of Boom, Dubleanny and the unbeaten Bel Sprinter are among the other leading contenders.
AAP TURF
