Samantha Logan is hoping for a result to savour when the aptly named Jelly Roll makes his debut at Matamata on Sunday.
Off the back of an encouraging trial performance, the three-year-old will step out in the Slattery Contracting Maiden (1200m), with Bridget Grylls to take the reins.
He is a son of Swiss Ace and Icing On The Cake and is trained and owned by Logan, who was gifted the gelding.
Jelly Roll’s name is drawn from both his parents and also from the moniker of the American rapper, songwriter and Grammy Award nominee.
“I like the singer and it all worked in well, it’s a play on both,” Logan said.
“He was bred by Christophe Verkimpe, who’s from New Caledonia, and he was supposed to go there but then the civil unrest broke out and he couldn’t be shipped.
“They offered him to me, and we’ve had a bit of fun getting him to this point.”
Jelly Roll’s first outing was delayed following an abandonment last month.
“He was saddled and ready to go at Tauranga before they got called off, so we’re looking forward to Sunday with him,” Logan said.
“I don’t think he’ll disgrace himself, his last trial (at Ellerslie) was pretty good. He’s a neat little horse and he should love the heavy ground.”
Logan will also have a top chance on Saturday at Te Rapa where Ascension will be a favoured contender in the Andrew (Ledge) Leadbeater Memorial (1400m).
She will again be ridden by Michael McNab, who was aboard the Almanzor filly when she finished well for third in her resuming run over 1200m on the track at the end of last month.
“We’ve always really liked her and thought that she may have been our Oaks filly, but immaturity held her back,” Logan said.
“She’s a lot stronger and more forward this preparation and she finished off really strongly last start.
“We were happy with her going into the race and the step up to 1400m should suit her this time.
“She’s a beautiful filly and really easy to do anything with, she’s just a dream to have around.”
Ascension is part-owned by co-breeder Lib Petagna’s JML Bloodstock, who has a good association with Logan.
“I’ve been very lucky and been able to race a few quality fillies for him this year and she’s definitely one of them. She’s got the pedigree and the type to go with it,” she said.
Ascension is a half-sister to stakes winners Windsor and Sergio, with their dam the unraced Lonhro mare Shanro whose family features the multiple Group Two winners Camena and Arcetri Pink.