Emotions will run high if war horse Mali Ston (NZ) (El Roca) can go one better in Saturday’s Gr.2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) at Te Rapa.
The eight-year-old will again resume in the Waikato Stud-sponsored feature and trainers Darryn and Briar Weatherley have been delighted with his progress.
Bred and raced by Markwood Lodge, Mali Ston has been given a thorough grounding for his return after finishing a first-up second behind Bonny Lass 12 months ago.
“He didn’t get all favours, he was completely off the bridle at the 600 and Sam (Weatherley, jockey) said when he got him out into the clear he changed gear and almost won it,” Darryn Weatherley said.
“I’m really happy with him and he’s had a couple of quiet trials and has trained on well.
“He’s bright and well and he’ll run a nice race fresh. If they get any rain on the day, I’m sure he’ll be very dangerous.”
Mali Ston has overcome adversity to continue his career after the son of El Roca suffered a serious injury in 2022.
“If there’s any horse that deserves something it’s Mali Ston, he’s been through the wars after he broke his pedal bone and had 18 months off, and we were going to retire if not have to put him down,” Weatherley said.
“He’s come back and hasn’t won a race since, but he’s run third in a Thorndon Mile (Gr.1, 1600m) and Group Two seconds.
“The connections are just the greatest owners, and we’d love to see him win a nice race.”
The stable is also looking forward to the debut performance of well-bred filly Rumours in the Banquo 3YO (1200m).
“She’s a sister to Maria Farina and a half-sister to Pier and we think quite a bit of her,” Weatherley said.
“She’s trialled well, her work has been really good, and she’s drawn barrier one with Matt Cameron in the saddle, so she’s got a few favours.”
Multiple stakes winner Maria Farina has been retired and will visit Windsor Park Stud’s Paddington this spring while Group One winner Pier is making good progress toward his spring campaign.
He remained in Queensland to spell following his win in the Listed Wayne Wilson (1600m) at Eagle Farm in June.
“He’s in work with Barry Lockwood and I’m going over on Monday, he’ll float to Sydney in the middle of next week and trial on September 4 at Warwick Farm,” Weatherley said.
“He’ll have his first run at Rosehill in the Theo Marks (Gr.2, 1300m) on September 13 and, all going well, will go through to the Epsom (Gr.1, 1600m) on October 4.
Meanwhile, Group-winning stablemate Arby hasn’t raced since he was fourth in the Gr.2 Auckland Cup (3200m) but is closing in on a return.
“He will trial at Te Awamutu on Tuesday, he’s coming up well and we should have some fun with him in the summer Cups,” Weatherley said.
