'Mature' Tempest Tost Ready For How Now
- Friday, 18 September 2009 04:32
Tasmanian mare Tempest Tost and trainer Gary White have gone on a journey of discovery over the course of her 10 starts to date and tomorrow's first up run in the Group 3 How Now Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield will be no different.
It will be the pair's first taste of Victorian Spring carnival action, but White is confident that it will be no baptism of fire.
"Tempest has confronted every challenge that has been put to her thus far and her record speaks for itself," White said.
White believes resting the mare, following her bold fourth to Russetting in the Group 1 Winter Stakes (1400m) in June, has fast tracked her maturation.
"The beautiful Queensland conditions she was able to spell in along with the way in which we have managed her has really paid dividends."
"She has filled out beautifully and is doing everything we ask of her on the training track," he added.
Having been elevated to Group 3 status in 2005, the How Now Stakes has consistently drawn a strong field with this year's event no exception.
Absolut Glam, Prima Nova and Neroli share top billing on the handicapper's ratings and while White rates those mares, he is fine with the underdog status.
"We have always been the underdog, but that doesn't make you run any slower," he joked.
Stabling once again with Doug Harrison at Cranbourne, White has the luxury of his close friend and former stable jockey Wayne Davis handling the mares work.
"She gives me the impression that she has matured, and improved, a great deal since last time she was in work," said Davis.
Always a trainer with a goal in mind, it is of no surprise that White has earmarked the Group 1 Myer Classic (1600m) in October as Tempest Tost's mission.
"Wayne has her relaxing so well in her work and if given a chance, and the barrier, to do so in her races I think she will relsih the mile," said White.
"But there is a long time between now and then so we will see how she handles the pressure of Spring racing and let her tell us which way she wants to go."
Tempest Tost will race Saturday, race 7 Caulfield 4.50pm - How Now Stakes (1200m), from barrier 3 and carry 56.5kg with Darren Gauci on board.
