By Glenn Davis
Co-trainer Adrian Bott believes Dane Ripper Stakes runner-up Prompt Response has taken further improvement in her bid to claim the final Group 1 of the season in the Tatt’s Tiara at Doomben on Saturday.
Bott, who formed a training partnership with Gai Waterhouse almost two years ago, is chasing his first win in the Tatt’s Tiara.
Waterhouse won the race when it was known as the Winter Stakes with Cosmic Endeavour in 2014.
Prompt Response drew barrier three in the capacity field of 16 plus five emergencies and will be out to avenge her second placing behind Tycoon Tara in last year’s Tatt’s Tiara.
Favourite Champagne Cuddles, who has been placed four times at elite level, drew barrier four and is coming off a last start third in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap.
Prompt Response has followed a similar campaign as last year when she won the Group 2 Dane Ripper at Doomben before tackling the Tatt’s Tiara.
This year Prompt Response finished an eye-catching second to Invincibella in the Dane Ripper before heading into the Tatt’s Tiara.
“I was delighted with her Dane Ripper run and she was open to a bit of improvement after that race,” Bott said.
“She’s coming off her one of her best preparations this time and she’s been ultra-consistent and she’s proven she thrives in the Queensland conditions.
“From what I saw in her work yesterday she’s a bit sharper and has tightened up after her run in the Dane Ripper.
“She lost a few kilos after her last run and I think I’ve got her where she needs to be.”
Trainer Chris Waller accepted with four runners including Dane Ripper Stakes winner Invincibella, barrier 15.
Invincibella was also placed in last month’s Group 3 Glenlogan Park Stakes at Doomben and is attempting to become only the fourth mare to win the Dane Ripper-Tatt’s Tiara double.
Previous mares to claim the double were Tripping (1996), Red Racer (2014) and Cosmic Endeavour in 2015 when the Tatt’s Tiara was known as the Winter Stakes.
Waller’s other runners Shillelagh drew gate nine, French Emotion drew barrier six while third emergency Noire has gate five.
Racing Queensland webnews June 20