Blinkered Approach Could Help Gr1 Plans

Stephen Marsh is confident the addition of headgear on All Saints' Eve at Tauranga on Friday can set the mare on a path to significantly add to her future broodmare value, reports loveracing.co.nz. The Cambridge trainer has welcomed the daughter of Sacred Falls into his stable for her current preparation and a bold showing in the Ray White Pukehina Open Handicap (1600m) will earn a crack at the Gr1Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham later this month. All Saints' Eve made her first appearance for Marsh at Ellerslie on Boxing Day, but was twice held up in the straight and should have finished closer than seventh. "She didn't have a lot of luck and she is a very relaxed mare and has come right on in the coat since that run," he said. "With the blinkers on, I am picking she is the big improver. Her work has been good in the blinkers, she's grown another leg and if she wins then she'll go to the Thorndon." All Saints' Eve is raced by breeders Waikato Stud and Rosemont Stud, and raced in partnership with Isabelle O'Shea, wife of Sydney trainer John O'Shea who prepared the mare to win four races in Australia, including the Gr3 Tibbie Handicap (1400m). The 5YO, who is a sister to Gr3 James Carr Stakes (1400m) winner All Hallows' Eve and half-sister to the Gr1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) winner Hasahalo, has also placed at Group Three level in the Liverpool City Cup (1300m) and Kembla Grange Classic (1600m).

All Saints Eve is expected to benefit from the addition of blinkers (pic: Bradley Photographers)