Orchestral returning to happy hunting ground

Orchestral following her win in last month's $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m). Photo: Race Images

By LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

Roger James and Robert Wellwood are still in awe of what Orchestral produced when winning last month’s $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) at Ellerslie, and the Cambridge trainers are looking forward to stepping her out once more at the Auckland venue on Saturday.

The talented daughter of Savabeel put in a dominant display when winning New Zealand’s richest race by 3-1/2 lengths, giving her connections a huge thrill on New Zealand racing’s biggest night.

“I don’t think anybody who went there that day was expecting something quite like that. I was pretty happy to see it and even more happy that she has progressed since,” James told TAB NZ.

James believes she will continue to thrive over further ground and will test that theory in the Gr.2 Eagle Technology Avondale Guineas (2100m) this weekend.

“The more that we do get to know her, she is a nice breathing mare, which is suitable for distance racing,” he said. “It is what she was put on this earth to do, she doesn’t appear to take a lot of work to keep her ready, which is wonderful.”