News

Ortensia no certainty to take on Black Caviar in Lightning Stakes at Flemington

6th Feb 2013

Daily Telegraph - Ray Thomas - Wednesday, 6 February 2013

TRAINER Paul Messara conceded Ortensia is only a 50-50 chance to clash with champion Black Caviar in the Lightning Stakes at Flemington next week.

Ortensia pleased Messara with her closing second behind Mrs Onassis in a 900m barrier trial at Rosehill yesterday.

"I was satisfied enough with the trial, Craig (Williams) was very happy with the mare, her attitude was great and she showed she wants to be out there competing," Messara said.

"But she is still very relaxed in her work and I think she might need another trial or a serious hit out with the blinkers on to switch her on for racing. She has pulled up well so I'll see how she does."

Messara said if Ortensia was to miss the Lightning Stakes, he could set the mare for the Oakleigh Plate or send her straight to Dubai to prepare for the Al Quoz Sprint she won so brilliantly when resuming last year.

After Dubai she went on to win two races in England, including the Nunthorpe Stakes, and Messara hasn't ruled out another extended international race campaign.