Smart pacing filly Stylish Memphis may miss an early heat of the Sires Stakes series but will soon be back on the race track, says Mark.
The full-sister to former star filly Deligthful Memphis (Bettor’s Delight – Memphis Melody), who currently plys her trade in North America, is due back to the workouts soon and good things are expected this season.
“She will miss the first heat and be back trialling at the end of October,” said Mark this week.
“We have given her a nice slow build up and it will be a long season. Whether she heads south to qualify for the Southland Oaks or we go straight to Auckland in December I am not so sure yet.
“I may even line up her during Cup week at Addington if we can find the right race for her.
“Auckland is definitely on the cards. You have really got to go and have a look at the good races up there. Then we’ll come home and look to the second-half of the season, which is a busy one.”
Soon to join Stylish Memphis in work at Burnham is Lulu Le Mans (Bettor’s Delight – Elusive Chick), a good performer in Australia last season at two, and in work with co-owner Derek Jones at present.
“She will arrive here in another week and follow a similar path to the other filly,” he said.
“But she will likely be off to Australia in the New Year and Stylish Memphis will be back home for the Nevele R Fillies heats and probably the Southland Oaks.”
The path to Christmas is already well underway for the team headed for South Island meetings near and far, a number of nice maidens have been set for the holiday period and they will trial in November onwards.
“I have a nice group of two-year-olds set to trial before Christmas and then they will go out for a spell.
“Willison (who rocketed home for fourth at Addington last Friday night) is coming along well. I may find a race for him Cup week, but will wait and see – he could have a break and be back for the Derbies next year.
“I’d like to think he will develop into a horse good enough for those.
“And he’s Vic-bred eligible in Australia, another option.”