Progressive mare Knobelas has headed across the Tasman to contest the Group 3 Aotearoa Classic (1600m) at the Karaka Millions meeting this Saturday, with Craig Williams taking the ride for trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr.
The daughter of Belardo has built a very solid record to date, finishing first or second in every start bar her most recent outing at Flemington. That last start proved a frustrating watch with Knobelas never able to find clear running. The stable has been happy to put a line through that performance; confident the run was not a true reflection of her ability.
Knobelas wins first-up at Pakenham.
The unlucky outing hasn’t deterred market support, with the 4-year-old coming up as race favourite heading into the weekend.
She has drawn barrier 10 of 16, which is expected to suit her racing style better than her previous two starts from barrier 1. She’s a horse that prefers to have some room to build through her gears, so the wider draw should give Williams more of a chance to keep her out of trouble. There is plenty of speed expected in what looks an open contest, and with some rain around, conditions are shaping favourably for Knobelas.
The Price-Kent team are delighted with how the mare travelled over and settled into New Zealand. “She is in beautiful condition, her action is great and she’s settled in very well,” said Mick Price.
With NZ$1m in prizemoney and valuable black type on offer, Saturday presents a great opportunity for our talented mare, and with a smoother run, connections are hopeful Knobelas can produce a performance that reflects the talent she has shown throughout her career.
We wish her connections all the very best of luck.