Owners of the filly Panova, eyeing the Vinery Stud Stakes, have long recognised her as a potential long-distance runner, so her achievements in stakes races at shorter routes have proven an added advantage.
Her autumn schedule ended with back-to-back Group 3 conquests in the Reginald Allen (1400m) followed by the Carbine Club Stakes (1600m), and the three-year-old has gathered momentum across her most recent two appearances, including a promising fifth closing effort in the Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) on March 14.
B2B Thoroughbreds, the syndicate of Ricky Surace, campaigns Panova, who faces an initial foray into mid-range distances via Saturday’s Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) on Rosehill’s turf, with Charlie Duckworth, trusted aide to trainer Chris Waller, expressing optimism for her display.
“Ricky Surace, they do the gene testing and the blood testing, and it all indicates she is a proper stayer,” Duckworth said.
“So they were rapt in the spring when she won the Carbine Club the way she did. They said, ‘she’s not even meant to be doing this yet, she is meant for an Oaks trip’.”
“Obviously, she is going to have to be very good to beat Ohope Wins, but if she is a genuine stayer, the 2400 (of the Australian Oaks next start) should see a fair match.”
Tommy Berry, successful pilot for Panova’s two listed triumphs and her latest effort where she indicated suitability for extended trips, sticks with the ride.
“I was really happy with the way she found the line last start, and she’s not going to be giving as much of a start this time around with the smaller field,” Berry said.
“She probably doesn’t want it too wet, but she’s warming up to something.”
Fourth preference at $6 in Vinery Stud Stakes betting, Panova trails Ohope Wins ($2.90) and Victorian challenger Salty Pearl ($3.60).
Salty Pearl connects via lines to the commanding Randwick Guineas scorer Sheza Alibi, whereas Belle Cheval remains supported at $3.80 after a strong runner-up finish to unblemished New Zealand import Well Written recently.
Head to the racing betting markets for the latest on the Vinery Stud Stakes feature race.
