Written by Paul Vettise
Injury has interrupted the progress of the Group 1 performer Chocante (NZ) (Shocking) and he will look to reignite his career at Awapuni where he returns to action following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
While trainer Stephen Marsh isn’t expecting any first-up fireworks from the 7-year-old, he has been delighted with Chocante’s progress and is looking forward to seeing him open his summer campaign in the G2 Kamada Park Manawatu Challenge S. on Saturday.
Chocante made rapid early progress and at his 10th appearance he won the G3 Counties Cup to earn a trip to the 2017 Queensland winter carnival where he triumphed in the G2 Brisbane Cup of a Group 3 placing in the Chairman’s H.
Chocante (NZ)
He was back in Australia in the spring of that year and was a first-up third behind champion mare Winx (Street Cry {Ire}) in the G2 Chelmsford S. and filled a similar placing in the G1 The Metropolitan.
Expectations were high going back to Brisbane last year only to suffer a serious injury blow when resuming in the Listed Tails S. with a spell and a drawn out rehabilitation process to follow.
“Everything seems great with the horse and he’s done really well. He’s obviously not fully tuned up yet and this is a nice starting point for him and we’ll firm up some plans after Saturday,” Marsh said.
“He’s obviously not fully tuned up yet and this is a nice starting point for him and we’ll firm up some plans after Saturday.” - Stephen Marsh
Chocante stretched his legs at the Te Aroha trials earlier this month and was allowed to coast home under his own steam behind the subsequent G2 Cal Isuzu S. winner The Real Beel (NZ) (Savabeel).
“It’s really race by race with horses like him who have had tendon issues. Touch wood, he seems spot on and he’s very happy and sound,” Marsh said. “It’s exciting to have him back on track and we’ll get through the Awapuni race and see where the future takes us.”
Marsh will also be represented by Ritani (NZ) (Savabeel), who has mixed her form but will relish the underfoot conditions. She was fourth two runs back before an unplaced effort in the G2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ S.
“The wetter the better for her and she’s drawn a good gate as well. We’re hoping for a bit of black type with her,” he said.
Cup prospect
The stable also has a strong chance in the G3 Aberdeen On Broadway Manawatu Cup with Yatima (NZ) (Savabeel), who has come through the classes in fine style.
She made her open class debut last time out in the Listed Wanganui Cup and finished strongly for fourth and less than 2l off the winner. She had coasted to victory at Tauranga at her previous appearance.
“I love the fact that she’s drawn a good barrier. She should be able to get a really nice run and she’s a very progressive mare,” Marsh said. “The 2300 metre should be ideal for her and should get her into the race nicely.”
Yatima has won three of her 11 starts and comes in on the minimum weight of 53kg with stable rider Danielle Johnson aboard.
“We’ll see how she goes here and keep rolling and may end up in the City of Auckland Cup, we’ll see what happens on Saturday first,” Marsh said.
