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Bowraville trainer Shannon Fry holds no fears for handy racemare Sofin stepping straight up to the mile second up in the Wingham Services Club Wingham Cup (1614m) at Taree Friday.
The son of Casino Prince, got from a Patinack Farm dispersal sale and raced by South West Rocks based owner Byron Fegan, is coming off a first-up 3.6 lengths fifth to Miss Caitlyn over 1215m at Grafton on May 11.
“The run at Grafton was much geared towards a good hit out for her,” Fry said. “It was a hit out to blow the cobwebs out. It’s hardened her right up.
“She was a bit tired for a day or two after it but she’s great now. She looks really good and she’s held her own in what I’ve done with her.
“This is the first suitable race she’s been in. I’ve got a lot in stall for her this campaign. She’ll be aimed at the regional cups.”
It’s worth noting Sofin scored second up last campaign over 1506m at Port Macquarie. The mare also won over 1600m at Warwick Farm last time in work.
“She’s a very efficient horse,” Fry added. “The extra distance and tempo of the race will be in her favour.
“She loves the sting out of the ground which is another plus in her favour.”
Sofin has recorded six wins and five placing’s from 19 starts. The mare has an above average strike rate on rain effected tracks and has won twice over 1600m from three attempts and twice at the spacious Taree circuit.
“Statistic wise she has a lot of plusses going for her,” Fry added. “Certainly there might be a question mark over her fitness jumping straight to 1600 metres but she’s been geared for it.
“The three weeks in between runs has been good. She’s grown into herself now. She’s not overly heavy but there is a lot of depth about her.
“She’s very streamlined, a leggy type who stands around 16.1 hands.”
Fry revealed the owner, Byron Fegan, wanted to start in last Friday’s Casino Cup (1400m).
“I managed to convince the owner not to run there. Taree’s race is more suitable,” Fry added. “After Taree we should be able to work out what sort of horse we’ve got.
“I think 1600 metres is the tip of the iceberg for her. I think she’ll bloom when she gets to 1800 and 2000 metres.”