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Joseph Pride-trained Rain Affair will return to racing in Sydney on Saturday week when he contests the Group 2 Challenge Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill.
Photo by Racing and Sports
Rain Affair has reportedly trained on well since his solid sixth in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) on March 10 with the Group 2 Challenge Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill on March 31 his next mission.
“We've been happy with his progress,” Pride said.
“We just didn't want to set any plans in stone until I knew how he had pulled up. We are very pleased with how he has come back from there [Newmarket Handicap] so at this stage we are going to go around next week in the Challenge Stakes.
“His work on Tuesday pleased me. He certainly looks the part and there is no change in his attitude. Everything seems to be adding up to the fact he has come back well.”
The Challenge Stakes will be Rain Affair's lone lead up run into his next Group 1 assignment of the TJ Smith (1200m) at Randwick on April 21.
Meanwhile, Pride will saddle up a number of hopes at Rosehill tomorrow and will be represented in the feature event by Ladys Angel.
The stakes-winning mare was well held last start behind Steps In Time when contesting the Wiggle Quality however Pride belies she is capable of an improved performance on Saturday contesting the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m).
“This is her opportunity,” Pride told Sky Sports Radio.
“She is a very good wet tracker and hasn't had conditions to suit yet. It's her third run back and she is primed for Saturday and she is going to need to be. I believe she has got the ability to figure in a race like that.
“She will go forward from that barrier and make her own luck.”
The Arena mare has drawn wide in barrier 11 and is quoted at $21 for the event with TAB Sportsbet Fixed Odds.
“She could have done with an extra favour,” Pride said regarding the barrier.
“She is well weighted though. She meets Secret Admirer three or four kilos better than last start.”
Pride also possesses a strong hand in the final race of the day, the Listed Bacardi Together Handicap (1100m).
His three pronged attack is spearheaded in current market order by La Remlap ($10), followed by Title ($13) and News Alert ($21).
The well bred La Remlap has placed at each of her five runs this campaign and will now attempt to do at least the same here as she chases some valuable black type.
“She has been thereabouts and has run five placings this preparation without winning which has been frustrating,” Pride said.
“Saturday will be the one occasion where I won't mind her running a place because it is a Listed race and she is a half sister to Manawanui so some black type will be fantastic.
“I think she is going to get a race run to suit here. She's been racing on the pace and we've been trying to get her just off the pace. I think we will get a bit of luck with that on Saturday.”
Title and News Alert each go into the race following below par last start performances.
“He [Title] was only fair first up,” Pride said.
“We've put some winkers back on and can handle it wet or dry, particularly wet and if it stays that way he is certainly going to be effective.”
News Alert races here after not having been seen publicly since a well beaten last at Canterbury in late January behind Steps In Time.
“He is going into this without a trial and I would say he is probably going to need the run,” Pride said.
“We are expecting him to run well but he will benefit from the run greatly.”