Paul Messara is warming to a Newmarket Handicap start for bonny mare Ortensia who is recovering well after copping a battering in the Oakleigh Plate.

The multiple Group One winner finished down the track in the Caulfield sprint on Saturday which was won by Sydney mare Mrs Onassis.

“She had a sore fetlock afterwards but she’s coming through it pretty well now,” Messara said.

Weights for the Group One Newmarket were released on Tuesday with the 56.5kg allotted to Ortensia appealing to Messara who says the March 9 sprint is firmly on his radar.

“She’s got 56.5 kilos in the Newmarket so we’re giving it serious consideration,” he said.

Messara was in winning form at Wednesday’s Canterbury meeting where Redoute’s Choice filly Vocalise landed a debut victory in the Myboycharlie at Vinery Plate (1100m).

With his father, Arrowfield Stud proprietor and Racing NSW chairman John Messara also on hand to celebrate the victory, Messara was upbeat about the filly’s future.

“It’s always nice to bring a young horse to the races and win first-up,” Messara said.

“Only talented horses do that and she’s certainly talented.

“She is very immature and still has plenty to learn.

“I will probably give her another run or two … we’ll pick out something for her.”