Paul Messara optimistic about Ortensia’s rejuvenation in Darley July Cup
Paul Messara, the trainer of the veteran Australian bay mare Ortensia, hopes that his pupil will stage a strong comeback in the coming Saturday’s Darley July Cup (British Champions Series And Global Sprint Challenge) (Group 1) following her disappointing
performance during the gorgeous Royal Ascot event of the last month.
On June 19, the seven-year-old experienced and brilliant runner ran half-heartedly and finished 9th in the King’s Stand Stakes (British Champions Series & Global Sprint Challenge) (Group 1) despite being the 9-2 joint favourite with Wizz Kid who
grabbed 10th spot in the 22-runner race.
This was quite shocking for the punters who had staked their money on Ortensia’s victory. Both the trainer and the jockey, Craig A. Williams, were also greatly disappointed with the pathetic performance by their mare.
Now, the daughter of Testa Rossa out of Aerate’s Pick is keen to redeem all the expectations by making up to the podium in July 14’s 57-runner event that will be held on the 6-furlong good to soft track of Newmarket.
Messara claims that Ortensia will be able to read the ground condition well and make a big impact. According to him, the reason behind the mare’s below par run at Ascot was her inability to adapt to the atmosphere of the venue. He hopes this will not happen
this time.
While speaking to At The Races today, the legendary trainer told, “Everything went wrong on the day and prior to the race [at Ascot]. She didn't handle the parade ring and really broke out in quite a big sweat.
“She's still working really well and I can see her running her best on Saturday. She worked on the course proper here and I'm very pleased with her going into the race.”
Ortensia has won 11 of her total 31 starts so far. From November 3, 2011 to March 31, 2012, the L. D. Rhodes-bred skilled sprinter elegantly won three races in a row.
The Darley July Cup is going to be the maverick mare’s maiden outing at Newmarket. It is expected that she will try every never to come up to the expectations of her trainer, the jockey and the bookmakers alike.
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