c and believes the timing is right to use them in the Nivison Stakes at Randwick.
A Group Two winner during the Brisbane winter carnival, the mare has taken time to come to hand but O’Shea says her physical appearance indicates she is ready to peak.
Her improved condition and a slight distance drop have convinced the trainer to make the gear change for the Group Three Nivison (1200m) on Saturday.
“We just needed the right scenario,” O’Shea said.
“She has been very wintry in her coat and her coat has finally come through, so we’re happy enough to put them on now and hopefully we get a result.”
Pretty In Pink has settled back in the field and finished unplaced at her two campaign runs in the Sheraco Stakes and Golden Pendant, both dominated by on-speed runners.
She has subsequently trialled strongly in blinkers and from barrier three will get the chance to put herself within striking distance of the leaders.
“Her first two runs this time in she has had absolutely nothing go right and never had an opportunity to come off the bridle because she has been back following rump steak,” O’Shea said.
“She has finally drawn a gate which gives her an opportunity to be a little closer in the run and an opportunity to get a bit of clear air in the home straight.”
O’Shea is a big fan of Rachel King and has booked her for the ride with
the jockey chasing back-to-back Nivisons after scoring aboard Resin for Godolphin 12 months ago.
The trainer has also snapped her up to ride stablemate Bergen in the Daily Press Handicap (1500m).
With three wins and two seconds from five starts, Bergen is building a solid record and the form out of his last-start placing behind Sakura at Warwick Farm has stood up.
“Both the placegetters out of that race have won. The horse who beat him won and the horse who ran third, Dunbrody Power, has won,” O’Shea said.
“We would have preferred 1400 metres second-up but it is what it is.
“It’s a good opportunity to run in town on a Saturday for good prize money and he always gives a good kick and a good account of himself.”
