Kosciuszko hopeful Spiranac will look to stake her claim for slot in the $1.3 million country feature on Saturday
Rod Northam is hoping his Kosciuszko chance Spiranac can put her name up in lights with a win in the Vale Nini Vascotto (handicap over 1100m).
The five-year-old was the winner of the Hunter and North West area qualifier for the Country Championships last campaign and wasn’t disgraced in the Group Three Triscay Stakes.
The daughter of Magic Albert is only lightly raced, but has racked up five wins and over $150,000 in prizemoney through just 12 starts.
Northam says his mare is ready to shine.
“This will be her preparation,” he said.
“Now she’s five, she’s big and strong, she’s taken a long time to mature.
“Every time she’s come back into work she’s improved a little bit.
“I’m pretty confident that’s happened again, so I expect her to, this time, hopefully take that step up and try and get some black type.”
Northam is hopeful his progressive mare can gain one of the 14 slots in this year’s $1.3 million The Kosciuszko and believes the mare can put in a good performance on Saturday.
Glen Boss will ride the five-year-old from a favourable draw, and the Scone-based horseman expects the 1100m trip to suit Spirinac perfectly.
“I’m happy with her fitness, 1100m is good for her first-up,” he said.
“She’ll probably have another one, maybe two runs before The Kosciuszko, if she gets a slot.
“She’s probably a lot more seasoned this time.
“I think she’d definitely be up to Listed class this time.
“I can see her racing well on Saturday, and with a little bit of improvement, the 1200m is probably her go.
“I couldn’t be happier with her.”
The Scone-based horseman will also saddle-up another lightly raced mare in the TAB Highway Handicap (1200m).
Moetta will line up in barrier 12, with Glen Boss also riding the daughter of Uncle Mo.
The five-year-old turned in a good performance when beaten 0.45 lengths in good time over 1200m at Scone.
With even luck, Northam expects Moetta to be there when the whips are cracking.
“I think she’s a really good chance,” he said.
“She’s been racing very consistently.
“She’s been a bit unlucky her past two Highway’s and the one before she got the luck and ran a close second.
“If she can just get that little bit of luck in running, I’m sure she’ll be there abouts.”
Moetta has opened as a $26 chance in the Highway, while Spirinac is an $8.50 chance on Saturday and a $15 chance for 2021 The Kosciuszko.
