Our Chiquitita ready to make long awaited debut

Our Chiquitita will finally make her debut for trainer Jamie Kirk in the Woodlands Stud Pace at Cranbourne on Saturday night.

The now four-year-old has had her setbacks since she was bought by Kirk as a yearling.

“She suffered a hairline fracture in her pastern, that happened twice,” Kirk said. “We have had a few little setbacks and a few problems, that’s why she’s a four-year-old that hasn’t had a start. But she is now looking good.”

The mare out of Captaintreacherous has drawn barrier one on Saturday night, giving Kirk a sense of optimism ahead of her debut run.

“We are looking at a top three finish from the draw,” he said. “She’s a typical filly with a good bit of spirit about her. She had one trial, but I think she will fill a top three spot.”

For the 50-year-old with only four career wins to his name, the path to get Our Chiquitita to the track has been filled with uncertainty.

“We had very big doubts, especially after the second (injury),” Kirk said. “It was gut-wrenching after the second time. We then gave her more time off than we should have.

“I was pretty frustrated. I think every horse trainer has plenty of horses like this, who we can’t get a free run (with). But now it’s great to see her back at the races and it will be great to get a win.”

Our Chiquitita will race in the fourth event on Saturday night’s card at 8.17pm.