Kate Hargreaves rarely jumps in the bike at the races these days, but the Shelbourne trainer felt it necessary last week to help solve the curious case of Lost Four Words.
Hargreaves’ talented mare won her first outing this preparation at Geelong back in December and ran a good race for third at Maryborough in early January, but then galloped in her subsequent two starts and failed to beat a runner home.
The frustration was enough to get Hargreaves back in the sulky at Shepparton on Wednesday last week for what was her first drive of the year.
And while it wasn’t a winning one, a fast-finishing second looks to have the speedy seven-year-old mare back on song ahead of her upcoming assignment this Saturday night at Tabcorp Park Melton.
“I just wanted to see what was going on with her,” Hargreaves said.
“She’s always perfect at home. I wanted to get a feel of her at the races so I knew what gear changes to make etcetera.
“My drivers are always fantastic with their feedback, but sometimes it’s valuable to drive them myself to see exactly what’s what.”
Hargreaves has a big opinion about the daughter of Well Said and thinks she’ll run a great race in the Download The TAB App Today Pace at Victorian headquarters tomorrow evening.
“She was really good last time out at Shepparton and I am expecting a big performance from her,” Hargreaves said.
“It will be hard from the draw (12), but she’s very fast and should be running home strongly at the end.”
Conor Crook will take the drive of Lost Four Words, while Shannon O’Sullivan will partner Hargreaves-trained stablemate Wonga Lake from gate eight.
O’Sullivan was at the controls last start when Wonga Lake prevailed at Bendigo, but this assignment appears tougher.
“Wonga Lake has hit a purple patch of form recently. It’s a step-up in grade, but she should have a nice soft run along the pegs which is usually the best place to be at Melton,” Hargreaves said.
“If she doesn’t end up too far back, I think she’s a place hope.”
The Download The TAB App Today Pace is the first of eight races at Tabcorp Park on Saturday night, with the opener to go at 6.32pm.
TUNE IN at MELTON on Saturday
First Race: 6.32pm Last Race: 10.31pm
Racecaller: Dan Mielicki with Rob Auber, Kirsten Graham and Shannon O'Sullivan on TrotsVision.
TrotsVision: WATCH LIVE
SEN Track: LISTEN LIVE
RSN 927: LISTEN LIVE
Winner of the Week
BRAEVIEW KELLY, by Bettors Delight out of Idolise, in the Group 3 Sibelia Stakes at Menangle on February 11.
Breed your next winner with Woodlands Stud, supporter of Trots Centre
