Mastercraftsman Filly Prepares for Oaks

Media Release - Thursday March 29

Ruakaka trainer Chris Gibbs will line-up Danzdanzdance in the Group I Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on Saturday ahead of her tilt at the Group I Australian Oaks (2400m) a fortnight later.

Danzandance - Race ImagesHowever, her trip across the Tasman didn't go entirely to plan, when her scheduled Monday flight was delayed by a day.

"There was a delay to the flight and it is what it is, there's nothing much we can do about that I'm afraid," Gibbs said.

"She seems to have settled in, but she's only been there a day. From all reports she's worked well and is eating pretty good really."

The Mastercraftsman filly goes into The Vinery in fine form having placed in her two previous starts in the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) and Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m).

She comes from the same family as former star Kiwi filly Lucia Valentina, who won the Vinery in 2014.

Advertisement

Gibbs said he is happy with his runner leading into the race, but would like to see how well she is faring after another few days.

"I am very happy with the barrier draw, so Saturday will tell us a lot. Over the next few days we just want to see her settle in properly, she's only been there a day so it's pretty hard to make a call on how well she is doing.

"We'll be a little bit wiser when she has had a few days of eating and we'll be able to weigh her."

Gibbs, who now trains on his own account after former training partner Donna Logan took out a training licence in Singapore, will travel to Sydney on Friday ahead of Saturday's feature.

Danzdanzdance is currently an equal $8.50 fifth favourite in The Vinery market with the New Zealand TAB, behind $4.80 race favourite and last-start Gr.2 Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) winner Unforgotten. – NZ Racing Desk.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Group 1 Queensland Oaks For So You Think's You Wahng
With form around some of the best 3yo staying fillies in the country, the Kris Lees trained You Wahng was too strong, winning the $700,000 Group 1 BRC Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm.
Saint Emilion Wins Group Three
Rugged front-runner Saint Emilion once again showed his penchant for the Ellerslie track when he led all the way to win the Group III OMF Stakes (2000m) on Tuesday.
Kiwi Grey to Tackle Aussie Greys
Showy grey Stratocaster has conquered his own colour in New Zealand and now he’s attempting to do the same in Australia when he tackles the greys in the Off The Track Subzero Handicap (1400m) at Flemington on Thursday.
Third Generation Epsom Derby Hero for Coolmore
The Group I Epsom Derby (1m4f) was the big highlight overnight in the UK and the scratching of Godolphin owned favourite Ruling Court due to track condition meant it was an open affair with the second string horse from Ballydoyle in Lambourn coming up trumps and also bringing joy for the Aussie offshoot of his family.
Spritely 7YO Wins G3 Hyperion - 'Loved Again' Does the Trick!
Group One winner Western Empire (Iffraaj) is back in the winner's circle after a frustrating start to this campaign and is now a $3million earner!
Sires With Winners - Saturday June 7
Here is the full list of 123 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Cosmic Fire a New SW for Cosmic Force
Sunshine Coast trainer Billy Healey was thrilled to have a stakes-winner on a big carnival day at Eagle Farm with his talented Cosmic Force three year-old gelding Cosmic Fire soaring to new heights when taking out the $200,000 Listed BRC Queensland Day Stakes (1200m).
First Stakes Success For Zoustar’s Zaszou
Becoming the second stakes winner of the meeting for Widden Stud’s Zoustar, the Philip Stokes trained Zaszou captured the $160,000 Listed BRC Helen Coughlan Stakes (1200m) in a photo finish.
Third Group 1 Victory For Zoustar’s Sensational Joliestar
Cambridge Stud's outstanding Zoustar mare Joliestar was simply sensational, charging late to win the $1m BRC Kingsford-Smith Cup (1300m) at Eagle Farm, her third Group 1 victory.
New Stakes-Winner for Snitzel – Stradbroke Possible
The Listed $160,000 BRC Spear Chief Quality (1500m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday delivered a new stakes-winner for champion sire Snitzel with progressive four year-old gelding Transatlantic taking victory as a well backed favourite.