Paul Messara, the trainer, is contemplating another race for his promising mare Avista after her recent successful transition to metropolitan racing with a Randwick victory.
Avista, a four-year-old and the $2.25 favourite for Saturday’s Precise Air Handicap (1400m), had previously won three races in country grade, including an impressive 4-1/2 length win at Muswellbrook. Despite spotting the leaders a start at the top of the straight, she responded well to jockey James McDonald, managing to catch Mind Ya Bizz ($31) by a half-head.
McDonald, riding Avista for the first time, commented that he might have approached the race differently if he had a better understanding of the mare. Pundits comparing the best bonus bets Australia would have noted the favourite’s determined finish, living up to market expectations.
“If I had my time again, she would have won more comfortably,” McDonald said.
“Watching replays of lesser class, she’s had some zip about her. Up in class today, back in trip a little bit, she was a bit flat-footed. It wasn’t ideal.”
Messara will assess Avista’s recovery over the next few days, but he is keen for her to have one more run.
He believes this campaign is about targeting one more race of this calibre before a spell, with the autumn next year being the ideal time for her.
“We’ll see how she comes through this. There are other races coming up for her,” Messara commented.
“I think this preparation, it’s about targeting one more race like this and then giving her a little break, and I’d say the autumn will be the time for her.”
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