Talented young rider Rochelle Milnes can make a big week even bigger if Second To Nun can win Friday’s $107,250 Strathalbyn Cup (2050m).
Milnes claimed two awards at Monday night’s 2023 Racing SA Apprentice Academy Awards and is unbeaten in three rides aboard the Will Clarken and Niki O’Shea-trained mare who has relished the steady rise in distances.
Second To Nun comes off a dominant Gawler win and Clarken said the rescheduling of the Strathalbyn feature had lessened his confidence going in.
“I’m a little more sceptical of her getting the trip with the extra time between runs,’’ Clarken said.
“I would have much preferred her out in trip on the quick (seven day) back up, but she galloped at Oakbank on Monday, she worked really solidly,’’ he said.
Clarken said a lot will depend on Milnes being able to land the cover Second To Nun requires to run out a strong 2050m distance for the first time in her career.
“There are a couple of scratchings so hopefully that means she can get into a nice spot to relax and then see out the trip,’’ Clarken said.
“She’s in great form and goes in fit and healthy,’’ he said.
Local horseman Grant Kluske has Bonnie Gangster, Don’t Dismiss and The Ice Cutter in his hometown feature.
Bonnie Gangster has won two of four on his home deck, Don’t Dismiss coming off a win over the in-form Test The Law at Gawler but drawn the extreme outside while The Ice Cutter was a Strathalbyn winner three runs back.
