Tess Primed for Group 1 Glory

Posted on May 3, 2018 | Posted by Tim Walker

Star WA mare Dainty Tess is ready to go for the biggest test of her career thus far in the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville on Saturday.

Dainty Tess was a brilliant winner at her South Australian debut in the Group 3 Irwin Stakes on April 21, defeating hot favourite and Group 1 winner Viddora on her home turf.

Jamie Kah had the ride on Dainty Tess in the Irwin Stakes last start, and she retains the ride on the War Chant mare for this Saturday’s $1 million event.

Trainer Dan Morton said he was pleased with how Dainty Tess had come through her second Group 3 win, and looking forward to tackling a hot field on Saturday.

“We are really happy,” Morton told TABradio’s The Sports Daily.

“She’s pulled up a treat and is working really nicely.

“She was only second-up there, so we’ve been able to keep the work right up to her.

“I do think she will come on a little bit.”

Dainty Tess drew ideally in barrier five at yesterday’s barrier draw, while Viddora has drawn the inside gate.

Fellow West Australian mares Quilista and Whispering Brook have drawn ideally in barriers two and four respectively.

Morton described the draw as “very good” given the likely early speed Whispering Brook and Quilista.

“If you draw wide in big fields it gets a bit tricky,” he said.

“Hopefully we can park where we need to.

“I think if there is a good speed on it will help us a little bit.”

Dainty Tess is rated a $9.50 chance with TABtouch, while Viddora is rated a $4.20 chance.

Meanwhile, former Perth galloper Tradesman will target next month’s Group 1 Doomben Cup in Queensland, after a comprehensive win in the I Am Warrnambool Handicap (1700m) on the opening day of the Warrnambool carnival yesterday.

Tradesman recorded a comfortable three length win over his rivals in the $40,000 Handicap event, and new trainer Darren Weir said he would aim the galloper at the Doomben Cup on May 19.

Tradesman’s win rounded out a successful day for former WA horses at Warrnambool, after Cougar Express took out the George Taylor Memorial Maiden Hurdle (3200m) for local trainer Jarrod McLean.