New challenge within reach for Pohutukawa at Randwick

A new campaign and a new challenge begins for talented filly Pohutukawa when she steps out in Saturday’s G2 Light Fingers Stakes at Randwick.

Pohutukawa showed the benefit of a well-tailored preparation last spring, winning her only two starts, stepping up to Stakes class in the latter and coming from last of 15 to score convincingly at Flemington.

“She was rewarded for her solid preparation in the spring with a Stakes victory at Flemington,” said trainer James Cummings.

“She looks to have coped with that step up in class quite comfortably.”

“Her trials have suggested that she’s just getting warmed up at this distance and she’ll certainly be well suited as a strong finisher at Randwick.”

On a Randwick card where Godolphin’s Stakes prospects rest with fillies, Pohutukawa will be joined by stablemates Manicure, Jorda and Resin in the G3 Triscay Stakes.

Manicure comes to the race off a short break following her second placing behind Invincibella in the rich Magic Millions Fillies and Mares at the Gold Coast, a performance Cummings believes was affected by the firmness of the track.

“She arrives here more forward and she’s capable of running well with a lightweight,” he said.

Jorda has been more than a year without a win, but Cummings is satisfied success is within reach.

“Despite a long campaign Jorda is still training like a mare who has another good performance in her,” he said.

“I’m forgiving her last run on a wet track and she’ll prefer getting back on top of the ground.”

Resin, who won successive races in Sydney last spring, resumes in the Triscay.