Kristen Buchanan might only have 15 horses in work at Wyong but she is preparing to take on the might of Godolphin again in the Winter Stakes.
Two Blue is the undoubted star of her stable while Haussmann is far from the top of the tree in the two-state operation run by John O’Shea.
Two Blue
Although not among the topliners in the royal blue, the tradesmanlike Haussmann ran Two Blue down to win his first black type race in the Civic Stakes on July 4.
The two will be at loggerheads again in the Listed Winter Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill on Saturday with Buchanan hoping her mare can turn the tables.
“She doesn’t have to lead but she had a wide barrier last time so we’re hoping for a better one on Saturday,” Buchanan said.
“There seems to be a bit more speed among the horses nominated this time so that could change the dynamics of the race.”
Paul King will replace apprentice Winona Costin on Two Blue but Buchanan has nothing but praise for Sydney’s leading junior rider.
“Winona did nothing wrong and rode him really well but Paul is my stable jockey and he was riding in Brisbane when Two Blue raced,” Buchanan said.
Two Blue will be out to give Buchanan her first black-type win and enhance her own value as a future broodmare.
“It is very important for her to get black type,” Buchanan said.
“Her second in the Civic Stakes helps but it would be lovely to have a stakes win beside her name.
“There is no talk of her going to stud just yet and the plan is to race her on as a seven-year-old.
“I own 20 per cent of her and she is raced on lease which has another 12 months to go so the plan is to continue.”
There were 15 Winter Stakes entries taken on Monday headed by the Gai Waterhouse-trained Spurtonic on a rating of 101.
Spurtonic has not raced since February when he was found to have a throat problem after trailing in a long last in the Mornington Cup Prelude at Caulfield.
He has since had three barrier trials to get him ready for his return.
