Wingatui might not have been a happy hunting ground for Cantilena last month, but her quest for black type for her pedigree page looks much more likely tomorrow in the $50,000 listed Airfreight Stakes.
The Lance Robinson-trained filly finished eighth in the Dunedin Guineas on February 6, bringing a three-win streak to an abrupt halt.
But, as jockey Samantha Wynne explained, not much went Cantilena's way that day.
"We got buffeted around a little bit and the race just wasn't run to suit her,'' Wynne said.
"She actually pulled up with a bit of a viral infection in her lungs - just slightly - so she wasn't really on her game. But she travelled down really well and ate up, so that's why we're having another crack at it. I've been galloping her a bit lately and she's back to her best.''
Review comments from two of her last three runs include the word "keen'', which is one of Cantilena's traits Wynne has to deal with on race day.
"She tends to get on the nickel a little bit - I think that's because they can't go quick enough for her,'' Wynne said.
"She's pulled in a few races, but she's getting better every time and she's maturing which is what I like about her and is keeping my confidence.''
Barrier 12 from the 1400m mark gives Wynne about 600m to find a spot before the start of the long, sweeping turn into the home straight.
"I was a bit upset when I saw the draw, but when I thought about it, she's better drawn out there because you can dictate where you want to go then. We can go forward or back depending on how she jumps - she's good one day and not so good the next.''
With three wins from seven starts, Cantilena has established a tidy record, and Wynne feels there is more to come.
"Lance is doing a great job at looking after her and kept her right in the head.
"She's developing into a really nice horse so hopefully she has a big future.''
Cantelina's chances - and those of the rest of the field - improved yesterday when Replique was scratched, after being nominated and accepted for tomorrow's race as a "precaution'', trainer Nick Wigley said.
"There are a few things going on and we might try and go to the Oaks,'' he said.
Wynne has several other good chances on tomorrow's 11-race card, including Drumregal in the 1200m open handicap.
The Terry Kennedy-trained mare carries just 55kg and has won twice at Wingatui from 11 attempts, along with four minor placings.
"I'm glad to be on her, because with the top sprinters gone, it leaves the race wide open. Terry said she's working well.''
Wynne will also be reunited with the Tommy Beckett-trained Miss Three Stars, who has her second start of this campaign.
"Tommy said she's done nothing but grow and got stronger so I'm looking forward to sitting on her to get a line on her for the Riverton Cup.''
Wynne rates Sofia Loren (race 10) as one of the best of her other rides tomorrow.
Tips from the talent
• Jake Lowry
Gallant Ruby (Race 6, No 4)
• Terry Kennedy
Landales Gold (Race 4, No 8)
• Shane Anderton
Gallant Ruby (Race 6, No 4)
• Toni Direen
Galella (Race 1, No 8)
• Courtney Barnes
Fashion Lass (Race 11, No 6)
