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| Staff Writer |
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Skew Wiff, the winner of the Last-start Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy, will leave New Zealand and head to Te Akau's Cranbourne base early next month.
Co-trainer Mark Walker confirmed that the mare will not be racing in New Zealand for the foreseeable future. Skew Wiff won her first Group one crown at Hastings on 9th September, beating a star-studded lineup that included the likes of Sharp ‘N' Smart and Legarto.
She appeared for a quiet exhibition gallop between races at Matamata on Wednesday, guided by her regular rider Opie Bosson. Skew Wiff worked at a steady pace over 1000m, clocking 1.08, with 40.8s for the last 600m.
"She was nice and relaxed for her and feels good," Bosson said.
Walker, who trains in partnership with Sam Bergerson, added the mare may have another exhibition gallop at Te Rapa next Friday before her Trans-Tasman departure the following Tuesday.
"It's good to keep her mind ticking over," Walker said.
Skew Wiff, owned by Waikato Stud and sired by their Champion stallion Savabeel, is now set to aim for Australian riches during the Melbourne and Sydney spring carnivals. They will start their campaign in the A$300,000 Gr.2 Rose of Kingston Stakes at Flemington on 7th October.
"She's valuable already, but if she gets black type there (Australia) and potentially a Group race win then she's worth a lot of money to Waikato Stud," Walker said.
"If she runs up to scratch at Flemington, then she'll go up to Sydney for the Golden Eagle, that's the plan.
Waikato Stud achieved success in the A$10 million Golden Eagle last year with their horse I Wish I Win, who previously ran for Te Akau. The next edition of this prestigious 4YO race will take place on 4th November at Rosehill.
"With the set-up now at Cranbourne, it's good we can facilitate these races and options," Walker said.