Saturday racing in Perth returned to a good-rated track for the first time in seven weeks to suggest there was a touch of spring in the air.
DAINTY TESS
What a marvel this mare is! The record-holder for Westspeed earnings is as consistent as they come having finished out of the placings only three times in her entire career and can break through the half-million dollar prizemoney mark with a couple more wins this time in work. Coming off a 77-day break on Saturday, Dainty Tess looked to have her work cut out when unable to go the early toe and finding herself almost detached from the main pack. To apprentice Kate Witten's credit she continued to hunt Dainty Tess along, building momentum wider out turning for home and charging home in dominant sectionals to get the job done. That effort suggests 1200 metres or perhaps even further is not out of the question this time in work. Just keep backing her.
Career record (24:9-8-4)
Race to look for – Benchmark 78+ with apprentice claim or Listed race 1000-1400m.
PUSHIN' SHAPES
On Saturday we saw several runners jump out of the ground with the return to drier conditions underfoot and while the improvement from Pushin' Shapes wasn't as dramatic he still caught the eye as one that can get the job done soon. Racing second-up over the mile and giving weight to rivals even after the claim, Pushin' Shapes ran on strongly in the straight from a midfield position until petering on his effort only over the concluding 100 metres. Stats say he will be cherry ripe for his third-up effort and a step up to Benchmark 72+ class would see him weighted much more favourably. Provided the rain stays away I'm all over Pushin' Shapes when next he steps out.
Career record (23:4-3-5)
Race to look for – Benchmark 72+ 1600m at Belmont on September 9
NASHVILLE CAT
I gave this Durrant-trained, Pike-steered mare a big chance on Saturday and walked away sadder than a politician with two passports after she never got a clear crack in the straight. Nashville Cat had been placed in provincial assignments at both starts this time in work by spotting starts and running on strongly so the extra bit of distance was sure to be in her favour. After finding a great spot midfield on the rail things went pear shaped when Pike was unable to find clear running on the diminutive mare as the field turned for home. She still managed to finish less than two lengths away from some capable rivals to suggest there's a bit of bulldog there and I'm willing to be very forgiving of Nashville Cat at her next couple of outings. A 1400-metre race would be ideal.
Career record (8:2-1-1)
Race to look for – Anything over 1300-1500m
