Ray Hickson
John Sargent is hoping to see a stronger Natoya lay the foundation for a staying preparation when she kicks off her second campaign for the trainer at Warwick Farm today.
The four-year-old enjoyed a more than handy first stanza for Sargent, but the trainer said her form had likely tapered off due to needing time to develop – which he’s quietly confident she has done with time.
Sargent wants to increase the distances quickly so saw no point in wasting runs with Natoya, who will resume in the Asahi Super Dry Handicap over 1600m.
“That’s why I’ve gone straight to the mile,” Sargent said. “I know she can stay, so why muck around at shorter distances. She’s worked to the line at the end of her trials and all she needs now is distance.
“She’s had a good grounding, she hits the line hard, and I think it’s a nice race for her with a very strong rider on.”
Sargent has engaged Tom Marquand to ride Natoya, and he’ll be looking for at least a decent gallop to give her the chance to finish off in the manner she did when scoring over the mile back in the spring.
He’s adamant she has the ability to be aimed at something at stakes level once the carnival has passed.
“I’ll let him ride her where she lands, but she usually gets back a bit,” he said. “I’d hope they run along a bit, and she’ll be strong through the line. I’d like to see her go through to win on Saturdays.
“I’ll carry on through the grades for a run or two then look to get some black type as a mare for Gerry [Harvey].”
Rising seven-year-old mare Ningaloo Star has been given the chance to earn another win or two before heading back to the breeding barn after a failed attempt last spring.
She was sent to I Am Invincible but is back in Sargent’s barn for another campaign which commences in the Brave Smash At Yarraman Park Handicap (1000m).
“She didn’t get in foal so they’re trying to see if they can get another win or two with her before she goes to stud again,” he said.
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