Shaw Targets Elite Victory with Faraglioni

Levin trainer Josh Shaw is keen to get an elite-level scalp with his Group 1 performer Faraglioni (El Roca-Catch Your Idol, by Zabeel), and she will get her first opportunity this preparation in just over a month at Hastings, reports loveracing.nz. The rising 6YO enjoyed a long spell before returning to work last month and Shaw has been pleased with her progress ahead of spring racing. "She is taking the right steps forward. She has been back in for about eight weeks now, so she is ready to step out again shortly," Shaw said. A trip north beckons Faraglioni for her first-up task, with a tilt at the Gr1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings in September her first major target of the spring. Shaw said he will likely bypass the second day of the Hawke's Bay Spring Carnival but is planning to return for the last day of the carnival in October to tackle the Gr3 Valley D'Vine Spring Sprint (1400m). Shaw added, "Third-up into a mile (for the Gr1 Arrowfield Stud Plate) might be a bridge too far this early, but we will probably look to go to the final day of the carnival for the 1400m race. She will then look to possibly head to the Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders' and follow the same sort of path she followed last year."

Faraglioni has had an extended spell (pic: Peter Rubery Race Images)