Fresh faces at Wairio

Bruce Stewart Journalist

A number of first starters line up at Wairio tomorrow.

Race One: Imperious Girl (Imperial Count) - trainer Craig Ferguson.

This three year old filly went to five workouts for Brian Norman before transferring to Craig Ferguson’s barn from which she qualified by an impressive fifteen lengths, running home in 58.5.

Imperious Girl is from the family that’s produced The Fiery Ginga (28 wins) and Latheronwheels (5).

“A nice wee horse. She’s handled every step so far and hopefully race day is no different,” Ferguson said.

Race Two: Red Hot Filly Pepper (Sweet Lou) - trainer Brett Gray.

This filly has had three workouts and two trials and she won both trials. She was a close second in her last workout. She gets a nice draw to work with tomorrow.

“She’s a lovely little filly but she might need this run. She’s just had a wee bit of a sniffle. We’ve been happy with the way she’s been trialing and she’ll get better with time,” Gray said.

Race Two: Shezastranger (Tall Dark Stranger) - trainer Peter Hunter.

Shezastranger is out of six win Christian Cullen mare Shezacullengirl whose dam Chloe Hanover won eleven.

Shezastranger qualified at Winton, leading all the way and winning by two and a half length in 3-04.8.

“A nice wee filly who went good at the workouts last week. Runners chance hopefully,” Hunter said.

Race Two: Crunchie Dale (Captain Crunch) - trainer Kirstin Green.

Crunchie Dale is out of two win Gotta Go Cullect mare Love Filly Dale.

She’s had six workouts and two trials and hasn’t shown a lot of spark.

“I’ve been disappointed in her last couple of trials. We’ve changed her training around. I’m hopeful more than confident,” Green said.

Race Four: Better Time (Bettor’s Wish) - trainer Brett Gray.

This filly is out of eight win mare Nex Time. Better Time is her third foal and she’s already left Nex Delight (5) and Blaze Lightening (3).

Better Time has been to three workouts and a trial winning her last workout by a head.

“She trialled pretty nicely the other day. She’s got a great attitude and is quite a relaxed filly. She’s a good chance,” Gray said.

Race Four: Carbonate (Bettor’s Delight) - trainer Matty Williamson.

Carbonate has had three trials for two wins (in small fields) and ran a nice second at Ashburton in stronger company. She’s a half to Nothing But You.

“Nice filly but has got a bad draw. I think she’ll be right in the finish,” Williamson said.

Race Six: Grizz (Lather Up) - trainer Matt Saunders.

Grizz is a half brother to Ted, the winner of three in New Zealand and his only start in Australia.

Grizz has been to four workouts and a trial.

“Probably a big ask for Grizz especially after he’s only qualified last week. He’s got a good draw and is a rough place chance,” Saunders said.

Race Six: Dragon Ball (Fear The Dragon) - trainer Brent McIntyre.

Dragon Ball has had a host of workouts. In his last he ran a close second to stablemate Raygun who’s since come out and run third in Group company.

“He’s been a slow maturing horse who is coming to it. Hopefully he puts his best hoof forward,” McIntyre said.

Race Six: Love Meister (Terror To Love) - trainer Kirstin Green.

This gelding is a half to the talented Captain Meister. He’s had a handful of workouts and trials and ran a close second in his qualifying trial to the talented Wish List.

“I expect him to run a nice race first up. He’s pretty fit but just lacks experience,” Green said.