A trip to Tasmania or bigger and better mares races in Melbourne go on the line for Tycoon Tara at Flemington.
The Simon Wilde trained mare, a last start Sandown winner on December 6, lines-up in the Isca Handicap (1200m) on Saturday.
Wilde said Tycoon Tara had her preparation interrupted due to a foot abscess following her Sandown success but was back to her best and ready for Flemington.
“She had an injury to her coronet band a long time ago and it just flares up a little bit,” Wilde said.
“The vets and farriers have been fantastic in getting her back to being 100 per cent but she’s just a little susceptible to foot abscesses which she’s had since Sandown.”
Wilde said there may be some black type options coming up in Tasmania without ruling out Listed or Group Three mares races in Melbourne during the upcoming the autumn carnival.
Tycoon Tara was down to run at Moonee Valley last week but Wilde and connections decided to give the mare an extra week of work to have her at her peak.
“The guy that bred her has still got the mare and relations to her and it would be great if we could get some `black type’ for him,” Wilde said.
“This race will give us a guide as to where we should be going with her.
“Perhaps we may be aiming a little bit high, so depending on how she runs we’ll map out a program after seeing how she measures up.
“In saying that this is by far the hardest race she has ever contested but she comes in well at the weights and she does have good talent.
“I would be expecting her to run well without blowing them away.”
Wilde said drawing barrier 13 in the field of 18 wouldn’t be any hindrance saying outside gates have been more desirable recently in straight races.
Besides Tycoon Tara, Wilde will saddle up Mannopoly and Lord Wimble in the @VRCFlemington Handicap over 1420m.
He said Mannopoly had, had a fantastic preparation and would appreciate the rise in journey to 1420m while Lord Wimble has been freshened and would be better placed stepping up to a mile.
