Ascot Park trainer Lisa Vaughan will head to Riverton on Saturday where she hopes to make it back-to-back wins in the Riverton Cup (2147m).
Former stable runner Asathought, a half-sister to multiple Group One winner Avantage, won last year's edition of the race when it held Listed status, and while it has lost its stakes status, Vaughan would dearly love to continue her good record in the race.
She will be represented in the race on Saturday by last start Invercargill Gold Cup (2600m) winner Lochnaberry, who Vaughan believes will thrive on the rain-affected track, which was rated a Heavy 9 on Wednesday morning.
“She has trained on well. She doesn't take much racing, so she generally goes well a bit better fresh. She does like a bit of cut in the track as well,” Vaughan said.
Initially set to carry 54kg, Lochnaberry will get some weight relief courtesy of apprentice jockey Bailey Rogerson's two-kilogram claim, and Vaughan said the northern hoop has a great association with her mare.
“She (Rogerson) has got a really good rapport with that horse, she has had three wins this season on her,” Vaughan said.
“I think Bailey is a really underrated jockey. She suits my horses and has had quite a few wins on them this season.”
Win, lose or draw, Lochnaberry is set to have a spell following Saturday's assignment and will return in the spring with an eye towards the Group 3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton in November.
“I think I will spell her because the ground is still quite good on the farm,” Vaughan said. “I will get her in during winter and look at an early spring campaign. Two miles would be really good for her, so we might even look at the New Zealand Cup, depending on how she comes up.”