Magna Rossa has bounced out of her New Year’s Day win, convincing trainers Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra to back her up eight days later at Caulfield.
The three-year-old played her part in a red letter day for her trainers at Flemington on January 1 with her one-length win in a fillies race, one of four winners on the program for the stable.
Magna Rossa, winner of a maiden at Sale on December 11, chases her third-straight win in Saturday’s 1200m-benchmark 78 for which she is the $2.90 favourite in a field of nine.
“We nominated her for it just in case there were light nominations, which there were,” Zahra said.
“We wouldn’t be backing her up if we weren’t 100 per cent sure she’s in great order and when they go three weeks in between runs onto a back-up, personally I love that.
“To me she looks like she’s come right on from that run.”
Magna Rossa’s rivals include the Lee and Anthony Freedman-trained Golden Spin who is after his fourth win in a row and third from as many starts this preparation.
Golden Spin is at $5 with the Peter Moody-trained Chase The Horizon at $4.60.
Zahra said Magna Rossa was uncomplicated to ride as she can begin well, travel and quicken which he hopes stands her in good stead on Saturday.
“She’s going to another level taking the boys on and there’s a couple in there with pretty good form so she’s got to be right at her best,” Zahra said.
“But I think she’s in great order. It’s a small field and will probably be a bit of a battle of tactics.”
Stablemate Tempered will also attempt to land his third win in a row in the Helen Cox Handicap (1800m).
A three-year-old half-brother to Standish Handicap-winning stablemate Durendal and the Peter Moody-trained Flamberge, Tempered claimed his first city win at Sandown on December 30.
“It was a pretty tough win the other day. He never gave up so he gets his chance to have a crack at this sort of level,” Zahra said.
