Local Wyong trainer Tracey Bartley is banking on a swift equipment reversal to spark improved performance from his mare Song For Rosie at Thursday's home track meeting.
Blinkers Back On After First-Up Misstep
Bartley admits he "pulled the wrong rein" when he removed the blinkers from Song For Rosie for her first-up run at Taree on December 20. The daughter of Capitalist finished a three-quarter length second to Grassburn, but her trainer believes the gear change cost her the race.
"She had been a little keen in them in her trial and I thought she was going to overdo it first-up," Bartley explained. "It turned out the wrong thing to do because she needed them in the run. She dropped the bit coming to the corner and Jett (Newman) had to really ride her along."
With the blinkers restored, Bartley expects a sharper showing in the Class 1 Handicap (1000m). "They will go back on her this week and she will travel much better," he said. Keagan Latham will take the ride from barrier nine.
Stablemates Primed for Wyong Assault
Bartley will launch a multi-pronged attack on the program, with several other promising runners. Czech Her Out, a three-year-old daughter of Prague, resumes in the Midway 3YO Maiden Handicap (1100m) after a promising first preparation.
"There was nothing wrong with her runs in her first campaign. She is still learning and developing," Bartley noted. "She has returned a lot stronger this time in... I thought her gallop the other morning was really sharp. I think she has improved."
The trainer also has high hopes for Last Druid in the Class 1 Handicap (1350m). The former Godolphin gelding has found form since stepping up in distance and wearing blinkers, finishing second in his last two starts at Wyong in November.
"When I got him, I was told he would only run five furlongs because he has a wind problem but he definitely got his oxygen in his last two starts," Bartley revealed. Apprentice Mollie Fitzgerald's claim could prove decisive.
Fast Blue Ready to Fire Again
Completing Bartley's strong hand is Fast Blue, who lines up alongside Last Druid. The gelding won well at Kempsey before a freshen-up and a fourth placing at Beaumont on December 6.
"I gave him a little freshen up after he won and he needed the run the other day," Bartley said. "He presented like he was going to be in the finish but just peaked on his run. He is spot on now and ready to go again."
With strategic gear changes and horses peaking at the right time, Tracey Bartley's local knowledge could be the key to a successful day at Wyong for his stable.
