Trainer Paul Messara will look to go to the well one more time with improving mare Avista after she made a successful transition to metropolitan company with a last-stride win at Randwick.
Sent out a $2.25 favourite for Saturday’s Precise Air Handicap (1400m) off the back of three victories in country grade, highlighted by a 4-1/2 length romp at Muswellbrook last month, the four-year-old spotted the leaders several lengths start at the top of the straight but kept responding for James McDonald to nail Mind Ya Bizz ($31) by a half-head.
It was McDonald’s first ride on Avista, and he said he might have tackled the race differently if he’d known the mare better. Those comparing the best bonus bets Australia would have seen the favourite justify the market’s confidence with a determined finish.
“If I had my time again, she would have won more comfortably,” McDonald said.
“Watching replays of lesser class, she’s had some zip about her. Up in class today, back in trip a little bit, she was a bit flat-footed. It wasn’t ideal.”
Messara will monitor Avista over the coming days, but he is keen to give her another run.
It is likely to be her last for the campaign as the Scone-based horseman believes she will be better again next time around.
“We’ll see how she comes through this. There are other races coming up for her,” Messara said.
“I think this preparation, it’s about targeting one more race like this and then giving her a little break, and I’d say the autumn will be the time for her.”
