The Phillip and Tommy Stokes stable has dispatched Obucci to Adelaide, hoping to secure another metropolitan victory.
Obucci is scheduled to contest the Adelaide Galvanising Industries Handicap (1250m) at Morphettville Parks on Saturday, with Noel Callow taking the reins.
Phillip Stokes confirmed that Obucci was sent from their Pakenham stable to their Morphettville base in search of firmer ground conditions.
The filly began her career in Stakes company in Adelaide, finishing unplaced, before transferring to Melbourne. There, she suffered a defeat at Benalla first-up and later won a 1300m maiden at Sandown in October last year.
Stokes was ‘aggressive’ with Obucci, aiming for Caulfield during their Cup Carnival, but she faced a strong field of three-year-old fillies in a race won by Point Barrow.
Following one more race, Obucci was given a break and did not return until July on a heavy track at Sandown, finishing in the second half of the field.
“She needs a dry track,” Stokes commented.
“I took her to Sandown, and she didn’t like the wet track, so we put her back on the synthetic where she won (at Pakenham) and then ran second.
“If she gets a dry track, she’ll be around the mark. We’re happy with how she’s going and she should be very competitive.
“It’s the right sort of race to try and get another city win on the board.”
Stokes added that the stable has been pleased to support Callow, who has been based in Adelaide since completing a suspension.
Callow returned to riding at the start of the new season and has ridden four winners from 37 rides since his comeback.
“He’s been coming in for quite a while and helping us,” Stokes said.
“His feedback has been good and he’s a revitalised Noel Callow.
“He’s having a crack at it which is good and we’re happy to have him on our horses.”
In addition to Obucci, Callow is also booked to ride Cosmic Shower, Princess Painton, and Divergent for the Stokes team.
Given the conditions Obucci prefers, she appears a strong chance in the Adelaide Galvanising Industries Handicap this Saturday; consider the betting markets for the race.