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Youngsters in fine fettle; Te Aroha target for top mare; Dell looking forward to Brisbane challenge

Youngsters in fine fettle

Unbeaten juveniles Sassy 'N' Smart and Heroic Valour have received glowing reports ahead of their respective engagements at Matamata on Saturday.

“They’ve both galloped well and are right where we want them to be,” co-trainer Stephen Autridge said following their work on Tuesday.

Sassy ‘N’ Smart, who runs in the Gr.2 J Swap Contractors Matamata Breeders’ Stakes, missed a lead-up run after an incident at the gates at Matamata last month but she has since trialled without incident.

Listed Reid & Harrison Slipper contender Heroic Valour won on debut at Trentham and Autridge said he had improved with the experience.

Te Aroha target for top mare

Recite has unfinished business at Te Aroha and she will have the opportunity there next month to go one better in the Gr.1 Fiber Fresh NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes.

Runner-up to Viadana in 2014, the two time Group One winner has been inconvenienced by slow tracks at her last two starts, but still showed her quality with her third placing behind Xtravagant in the NRM Sprint at Te Rapa.

“She’s on the water walker now and will be back in the stable in 10 days,” trainer John Bary said.

Dell looking forward to Brisbane challenge

Christopher Dell leaves for Brisbane on Sunday to link up with David Murphy’s Eagle Farm stable.

“I’ve got five months of my apprenticeship left and I’m going on loan for three months,” he said. “It’s a new challenge and it will be good experience.”

The 23-year-old’s Queensland stint was organised with the help of former New Zealand apprentice Maija Vance, who rode with success during her time with Murphy.

Dell posted his 96th New Zealand winner last weekend aboard Tequila Sunrise and recently celebrated a career-best victory with Statham in the Gr.3 Concorde Handicap at Ellerslie in December.

“I won’t be riding again before I go, I’ve got my cousin’s wedding on Saturday, so it was nice to finish on a good note at New Plymouth,” he said.