The Caulfield Cup remains the objective for Kirramosa despite rain interrupting her early preparation.
The mare runs in Saturday’s Shannon Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill at what will be just her third start since she won last year’s VRC Oaks.
Trainer John Sargent pulled the pin on the autumn when Kirramosa suffered a fetlock injury, requiring plenty of rest.
In her two starts back, Kirramosa has finished sixth both times, pleasing Sargent with her progress although he adjusted her program to avoid heavy tracks.
“She is very athletic and to my eye she is where I want her,” Sargent said.
“Tommy Berry will ride her on Saturday. He rode her to win the Wakeful before the Oaks and he will be able to give me a good line on her.
“I would have preferred if the race this week was a mile but it won’t be a problem.”
Berry will also be aboard stablemate Neena Rock when she runs in the Golden Pendant and Sargent will be looking for a little magic.
“Catkins gets in so well at the weights under the conditions of the race so we have to work out how we can possibly beat her,” Sargent said.
“We’ve got quite a few lengths to make up.”
A Group Three winner in New Zealand, Neena Rock was sent to Sargent to try to earn valuable Australian black type.
At her first start for her new trainer, she came last on the turn to get within 2-3/4 lengths of Catkins in the Sheraco Stakes.
Sargent’s other runner at Rosehill is Iggi Pop in the Colin Stephen Quality (2400m).
“Corey Brown will ride him,” Sargent said.
“I think he’s getting back to the shape he was in when he won the Queensland Cup and he’s ready to run a big race.
“The plan is to go to the Metropolitan and hopefully the Melbourne Cup.”
