IN Our Horses
Kusuda Primed For Kumara
By RON GURNEY | January 03, 2023

Kumara Gold Nuggets entrant Kusuda would have earned plenty of admirers for the annual feature when she galloped in fine fashion at Awapuni this morning,

All fast work was held on the synthetic track, where Kusuda worked alone over 1000m in a smart 60.9, coming the final 800m in 48.4, the last 600 in 35.6.

The Tavistock mare trialled up well before an unplaced resuming run over 1400 metres at Otaki on Boxing Day and looks a big improver.

She has been placed on a good surface, but all five career wins have been recorded on heavy tracks, so connections will be hoping for some easing of the ground on Saturday.

Talented stablemates Deerfield and Sergio, both trained by Chrissy Bambry, were paired over 1000m in 1.4 even, with the final 800m taking 50.2, the last 600 in 36.2.

Both horses were entered for the Marton meeting at Trentham on Saturday, with Deerfield tackling the open 1100m, and Sergio in the open mile.

British Royalty, another heading to the Kumara meeting (r65 1100m) worked alone over 800m in 49.5, the last 600 in 36 seconds even.

The Vespa mare has had three races in a new campaign without paying a dividend, but looks ready to set the record straight.

In-form Proisir mare Kelly Coe really caught the eye over 1000m in 1.2.6, completing the final 800m in 50.2, the last 600 in 37.1. She is entered for the open mile at Marton.

Her stablemates McKhan (r65 1400) and The True Believer (r75 2200m), both in good form, covered 1000m in 1.4.5, coming the final 800m in 50.6, the last 600 in 37 seconds even.

Opawa Jack (r75 2200m) and unraced three-year-old filly Joli Soleil (by Turn Me Loose) left 1000m behind in 1.5.4, clocking 51.6 for the final 800m, the last 600 in 37.1.

They are with Chrissy Bambry, and Joli Soleil is down to debut in the 3yo 1200m on Saturday.

Trustworthy and former northern three-year-old filly Thimble Theatre (by Zacinto) were timed 1000m in 1.7.1 and finished with 800m in 51.7, the last 600 in 37.2. They are trained by Lydia Pickford.

Bradman (r75v1400m) and a Per Incanto mare ran an even 1000m in 1.8.5 and 53.8, the last 600 in 39.8, while a Charm Spirit filly and an Embellish gelding, two-year-olds with Chrissy Bambry did 800m in 53.7 and 39 even.

Unraced four-year-old gelding Vad Romance (by Vadamos), also trained by Bambry, did 800m in 56.3 and 40.7, while Giannis posted 57.4 and 40.6. Kana sprinted 600m in 41.4.

Trackwork