The Clark Barron-trained pacer takes on a quality line-up of mares in the Southern Belle Equine Stakes.
Though her talent has never been questioned, Somejoy’s star took a big upward turn with her huge win in the South Of The Waitaki race at Addington during New Zealand Cup week.
Not even getting knocked over at the 800m and being in a hopeless position could stop the 4yr-old from winning the race and creating a big impression afterwards.
Tomorrow’s task, to beat a quality line-up of mares, means Somejoy will need to bring that sort of form to Winton. Trainer-driver Clark Barron is confident the horse is ready to rumble despite her not lining up since her show day win.
"She seems pretty good. She is ready to win, hopefully," he said.
Somejoy tuned up for tomorrow’s assignment with a 3:02.9 time to win a Winton workout last Friday.
The 4yr-old has shown versatility in winning from on the speed and sitting back in the field, meaning Barron will have a host of options from his tricky barrier 7 draw.
The driver would not go out with any set plans about when he would put the horse in the race, preferring to see how the event unfolded, he said.
Westwood beach mare Hopes And Dreams has drawn an even trickier alley in barrier 8.
Canterbury raiders Spirit Of Delight, Tara Tutaia and Kiwi On Show hold the ace cards at the start after drawing barriers 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Race 5 on the Winton programme will see the clash of several promising pacers in the graduation series final.
Trainer Nathan Williamson will start two impressive last-start winners in the race in Triroyale Brigade and Born To Run. The pair will clash with progressive Canterbury filly Shebang.
