A rousing midweek gallop has convinced jockey Mathew Cahill to stick with well bred-mare Coco Kerringle at Wellington on Sunday.
Coco Kerringle, by Exceed And Excel out of Dol, is a half-sister to Greg Hickman’s Group One Vinery Stud Stakes winner Mirjulisa Lass who is by Danasinga.
The four-year-old, trained by Ken Parsons at Cowra, was ridden by Cahill when a poor first-up 10-length last to Celero in a 1000m Benchmark 65 event at Canberra on May 20.
“We think she may have given herself a whack in running at Canberra,” Parsons said.
“She was in contention until the latter stages. Mathew said she didn’t feel right, the track was a bit shifty, and sat up on her the last bit.
“I asked him to come out midweek and ride her work to see what he thinks.
“Mathew was happy to stick, said she felt good.
“I think you’ll find she’ll run a much-improved race Sunday.”
Coco Kerringle tackles the Bell River Thoroughbreds Class 3 Hcp (1100m).
The mare, owned by the Bruce Reid Racing syndicate, has won three from 19 starts.
Parsons said this would be the mare’s final campaign before going to stud following the success of Mirjulisa Lass.
“We’re hopeful of a couple more wins, hopefully one in Sydney,” Parsons said.
“Going into Canberra I didn’t trial her and there’s no doubt she needed the run.
“She’s eaten up, done very well since, tightened up and brighter in her work.
“She’s much better for the run.
“Given that improvement, we’re hopeful she can produce her best.”
Cahill and barrier two are a big bonus, Parsons reasoned.
“Not many people, if anyone, ride Wellington better than Mathew,” Parsons said.
“From barrier two he should be able to get Coco Kerringle into a good position.”
AAP TURF