Image credit: Ipswich Turf Club
By Glenn Davis
Former Sydneysider Capri Of Tuffy will be out to extend her hot form in the Sunshine State when she attempts a hat-trick of wins in the Benchmark 68 Handicap at Ipswich on Wednesday.
Capri Of Tuffy is unbeaten in two Queensland starts for trainer Rob Heathcote after Sydney’s Peter Robl sent her north.
The daughter of Zoffany had her final start for Robl when second on the synthetic track at the Sunshine Coast on December 1.
She was then left in Heathcote’s care, winning a Class 1 at Ipswich two weeks later before powering home to win in Class 2 grade at the Sunshine Coast on December 22.
The five-year-old mare was successful only once from 22 starts for Robl in Sydney when she won her maiden at Wyong a year ago.
“She’s had two starts for me for two good wins, Heathcote said.
“They were two tough wins and she came to be in great order.
“There’s no reason why she can’t win again.”
Heathcote has also accepted in the same race with the in-form In Great Nic, a winner on a heavy track at Ipswich last month.
The daughter of Nicconi subsequently was second in a Benchmark 65 Handicap over 1350 metres before going under less than a length when runner-up in a similar race on another heavy track at Ipswich on January 8.
“In Good Nic has a good record at Ipswich and is in good form,” Heathcote said.
Heathcote believes both mares will be hard to beat and is hopeful they can fight out the finish.
“I probably just favour Capri Of Tuffy as she’s got more upside to her but I’ll be happy to see them both in the finish.”
Stable apprentice Leah Kilner retains the ride aboard Capri Of Tuffy while Taylor Marshall will be reunited with In Great Nic after being her regular ride before Travis Wolfgram rode her at Ipswich last start.