To Pat Webster’s discerning eye, four-year-old mare In The Cards is an equine version of Australian supermodel Elle Macpherson.
“Like Elle – stunning – you wouldn’t find a better looking or nicer mare in Australia,” co-trainer Webster said of the attractive looker who lines up at Nowra on Friday.
In The Cards, previously prepared by Garry White, makes her debut for the Webster stable in the Coates Hire Nowra Benchmark 50 Hcp (1000m).
“An old client, Glen Morris, rang one day and asked if I’d like to train her,” Webster said.
“She’s been here (Randwick) for about nine weeks, had a trial and if she takes her trial form to the races, will be hard to beat.”
By Dane Shadow, In The Cards, has recorded a win and two placings from 11 starts and Webster believes the mare is capable of improvement.
“She’s a big strong type but a bit hot-blooded,” Webster said.
“We’ve just tried to settle her down, keep her happy, change her routine around.
“She can fire up in her work. She’ll race in a Norton bit, hopefully it will help get her to settle.
“We’ve spent plenty of time with her, a bit of TLC. It appears to be working.”
In The Cards finished third, beaten 1/1-2 lengths, to Gai Waterhouse’s promising New Zealand purchase Go With The Flo in a 1050m trial at Randwick on February 21.
“The trial was good, she’s pulled up well,” Webster said.
“In the trial she sat just off them.
“The mare was balloted out at Gosford, it’s been hard to find the right race for her hence heading down to Nowra.
“It’s a suitable race to kick off in.”
In The Cards will be ridden by apprentice Codie McPherson.
“He’s with Kevin Moses. A strong, cocky kid, very confident,” Webster said.
“Some kids would have been petrified riding In The Cards work, not Codie.
“He rides good. I’ve been trying to give him a decent ride for some time.”
McPherson’s two-kilogram claim reduces the mare’s weight to 57kg.
AAP TURF
