While the main objectives for Surfin’ Bird will be later in the spring racing season, co-trainer Adrian Bott is eagerly anticipating the emerging mare’s preparation kicking off in the Golden Pendant at Rosehill.
The five-year-old has competed in just nine races to date, securing five victories. Her most recent campaign concluded with a win in the Magic Millions National Classic (1600m) at Eagle Farm in June.
Three of her wins have been over 1550 metres or further. Although Bott anticipates a strong showing first-up in Saturday’s 1400m feature, he is particularly looking forward to when Surfin’ Bird contests longer distances.
“It will be a tough race for her first-up, and she will be better suited when she gets out to the mile, but I thought she’d been trialling up well,” Bott stated.
“She had a great campaign in the winter. We will probably head down to Melbourne with her after this.”
Tim Clark will ride Surfin’ Bird from barrier three, and she is currently priced at $6.50. The race features five runners at single-figure odds, with the class runner Lazzura leading the market at $2.30.
Bott also expects his stablemate New Endeavour, who is returning from a spell, to show improvement regardless of his performance in the Shannon Stakes (1500m).
The gelding finished third in the same race a year ago but has not raced since finishing behind Gringotts in The Gong (1600m) last November. He has a record of never winning on his first start back.
“He’s been a while off the scene but has come back well,” Bott commented.
“He’ll be better again once he gets to 2000 metres.”
Regan Bayliss is booked to partner New Endeavour, while Dylan Gibbons will ride stablemate Sovereign Hill, who was withdrawn from a benchmark race to contest this Group 2 event.
The Shannon Stakes contenders will be part of a contingent of eight Rosehill runners for Tulloch Lodge, alongside outsider Plagiarism, in the day’s main event, the $1 million Golden Rose (1400m).
For those interested in the racing action, exploring Australian betting sites can offer competitive odds on events like the Golden Pendant.
