Local trainer Tracey Bartley is confident a simple gear change will spark improved performance from his filly Song For Rosie when she steps out at her home track at Wyong this week.
Blinkers Back On After First-Up Experiment
Bartley admits he "pulled the wrong rein" when he removed the blinkers from Song For Rosie for her first-up run at Taree. The decision came after the filly showed some keenness in a Wyong barrier trial. However, the move backfired during the race on December 20.
"She needed them in the run," Bartley explained. "She dropped the bit coming to the corner and Jett (Newman) had to really ride her along." The daughter of Capitalist finished a three-quarter length second to Grassburn, but her trainer believes the headgear will make the crucial difference this time.
The blinkers are now back on for the Class 1 Handicap over 1000 metres, where Song For Rosie has drawn barrier nine. Keagan Latham takes the ride. Bartley expects her natural gate speed to see her jump and settle in the leading division.
Bartley's Other Key Chances at Wyong Meeting
Bartley will also saddle up Czech Her Out in the Midway 3YO Maiden Handicap over 1100m. The Prague filly showed promise in her first campaign, finishing just behind the placegetters in all three starts. Bartley reports she has returned stronger from her spell.
"I thought her gallop the other morning was really sharp. I think she has improved," he said. While blinkers have been considered, Bartley is letting the filly learn her craft first. She has drawn well and is expected to run a competitive race.
Last Druid and Fast Blue Round Out Strong Team
The stable's four-year-old gelding Last Druid lines up in the Class 1 Handicap over 1350m, seeking to continue his solid form. His last two runs have been excellent seconds at Wyong on November 16 and November 26. Bartley has applied blinkers to help him focus and is optimistic about his chances, with apprentice Mollie Fitzgerald's claim a key factor.
"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 noted.
In the same race, stablemate Fast Blue returns to the track after a fourth-place finish at Beaumont on December 6. Bartley believes the Kempsey winner was underdone that day after a month between runs but is now "spot on and ready to go again."
With a full team of well-prepared runners, Tracey Bartley heads into the Wyong meeting with legitimate hopes of landing a winning double on his home track.
