TRAINER Brent Stanley rates Casadiva as perhaps the best horse in his stable and he is confident of snaring a double at Echuca.
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CASADIVA (R5, No.9)
Not beaten all that far when she resumed in the Group 3 Quezette Stakes at Caulfield first-up from a spell. Go back to her debut at Bendigo, where she defeated two smart horses — Aristocratic Miss and Krone — comfortably when she led throughout and she’s got to take beating. Brent Stanley has her set for Group 1 races.
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ARISTIA (R3, No.11)
The Ellerton/Zahra camp have a big opinion of this filly and she’s also set for big races so needs to make an impact in this. Sat wide when she resumed from a spell when first-up fifth at Sandown Lakeside. Group 3 placegetter who should be able to overcome a wide draw.
MAJOR OAK (R1, No.3)
Bred to appreciate the step up to 2142m after his debut second at Donald, where he ran on well, as he’s by Pentire out of a High Chaparral stakeswinning mare.
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BILLABONG BABE (R6, No.4)
Talented mare resuming from a spell. She trialled well at Tatura recently and from her inside draw with a four-kilo claim from Mikeala Claridge will also aid her chances.
THE TRAINER
BRENT STANLEY
ZOOLOGY (R4, No.6)
“He got a bit of a bad knock coming out of the barrier and after that took a couple of strides to get going. 1000m was always going to be too short but up to 1200m will suit and his work’s been sensational. I’m confident he’ll win.”
CASADIVA (R5, No.9)
“She’s whacked her stifle when she was first-up at Caulfield and she pulled up a bit average in the behind. She’s back to her best and I think she’s the best horse in my stable, so she should be winning a Class 1 at Echuca.”
