The Phillip and Tommy Stokes stable has dispatched Obucci to Adelaide, aiming for another metropolitan victory.
Obucci is set to compete in the Adelaide Galvanising Industries Handicap (1250m) at Morphettville Parks on Saturday, with Noel Callow in the saddle.
Phillip Stokes indicated that Obucci was transferred from the stable’s Pakenham base to their Morphettville location in pursuit of a drier racing surface.
The filly commenced her career in Stakes company in Adelaide but finished without a placing, subsequently moving to Melbourne. There, she experienced a defeat first-up over 1300m at Benalla before securing a maiden win at Sandown in October last year.
Stokes adopted an ‘aggressive’ approach with Obucci, targeting Caulfield during their Cup Carnival. However, she encountered a strong field of three-year-old fillies in a race ultimately won by Point Barrow.
Following one additional start, Obucci was rested and didn’t resume until July on a heavy track at Sandown, where she finished in the latter half of the field.
“She needs a dry track,” Stokes stated.
“I took her to Sandown, and she didn’t like the wet track, so we put her back on the synthetic where she won (at Pakenham) and then ran second.
“If she gets a dry track, she’ll be around the mark. We’re happy with how she’s going and she should be very competitive.
“It’s the right sort of race to try and get another city win on the board.”
Stokes mentioned that the stable was pleased to support Callow, who has been based in Adelaide since completing a period of suspension.
Callow resumed riding at the commencement of the new season and has recorded four victories from 37 rides since his return.
“He’s been coming in for quite a while and helping us,” Stokes commented.
“His feedback has been good and he’s a revitalised Noel Callow.
“He’s having a crack at it which is good and we’re happy to have him on our horses.”
In addition to Obucci, Callow is also scheduled to ride Cosmic Shower, Princess Painton, and Divergent for the Stokes team.
With a dry track anticipated, Obucci looks a strong contender in the Adelaide Galvanising Industries Handicap this Saturday; check out the latest Australian betting sites for the best odds.