Black-type racing is the goal for any mare with above-average talent and stablemates Lekvarte and Kouklara are both in line for opportunities at that level, pending their return performances at Rosehill.
The pair resume in the NSW Bookmakers Co-Op Handicap (1300m) on Saturday and trainer Joe Pride believes each has the upside to make their way into better grade during the off-peak racing season.
“If they can put their hand up at this time of year, the transition from Saturday grade to a lower level black-type race is not that big,” Pride said.
“It’s not as big as it is at carnival time and that’s what every mare is in work to try to achieve if they’re good enough, and they’ve both got talent.”
Lekvarte hasn’t raced since scoring over a mile at Randwick in February and is generally competitive fresh.
Pride expects her to have strong residual fitness and provided she runs well on Saturday, she will head to a Group 3 race at Scone during next month’s carnival.
“If Lekvarte went well, I thought I’d take her to Scone for the Dark Jewel (Classic),” Pride said.
“She improves with a bit of racing but she’s only coming off a month let-off so she’s ready to do something.”
Kouklara is also proven first-up, having won over Saturday’s course and distance in November and Pride has replicated that formula this time around.
“Kouklara won last time off a really similar approach,” he said.
“I think she’ll run close to her best, which should be good enough.
“I’m going to keep her to a mile and below this time. I’ve tried her out in trip a few times and I’m not convinced about her, I think she likes speed on and ridden quiet.”
Jay Ford has the ride on Lekvarte, who has gate 13, while Tyler Schiller partners Kouklara from barrier four.
