As KOVALICA’S most significant victory nears, trainer Chris Waller will aim to mark the occasion with another Group 1 triumph in Brisbane.
This Saturday, KOVALICA will vie for his first win since last year’s Queensland Derby in the $1 million Doomben Cup (2000m) at Doomben. KOVALICA clinched the 2400-metre Derby on May 27 last year but subsequently raced over distances between 1300m and 1600m in his next seven starts. His standout performance during this period was a close second in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m).
After finishing ninth in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile early last month, he extended to 2000m in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes, securing a fifth-place finish. His latest outing saw him place third in the Group 2 Hollindale Stakes (1800m).
Molly Bloom can blossom in The Roses
Talented three-year-old New Zealand-trained filly MOLLY BLOOM can secure her first Australian win when she races second-up in the country in Saturday’s $300,000 Group 2 The Roses over 2000m at Doomben Racecourse, Australia.
MOLLY BLOOM boasts a strong record of four wins from nine starts, including a Group 1 victory in the New Zealand 1000 Guineas last year. She also impressed in her first Australian start in the Listed Bracelet over 1800m at the Sunshine Coast mid-month.
The up-and-comer will relish the rise in distance this week, where she has a perfect one-for-one record, and she has drawn ideally under top jockey Blake Shinn.
Follow the Mighty Martin at Moruya
In-form filly MIGHTY MYRTLE can secure back-to-back victories in Sunday’s $27,000 Benchmark 58 Handicap over 1425m at Moruya Racecourse, Australia.
MIGHTY MYRTLE has demonstrated plenty of ability in her short three-start career, placing runner-up in her first two starts before breaking through in style in her most recent race. On that occasion, she thrived with the rise in distance and a favorable draw from barrier 1, proving too strong late with a powerful burst to score narrowly but convincingly.
Despite the step up from maiden company, MIGHTY MYRTLE appears to have significant potential and stands out as the best horse moving forward in a moderate field. With jockey Jack Martin remaining in the saddle, she has a strong chance to win again.
