Three-year-old filly, Selica will have her first run for new trainer Phillip Stokes when she resumes over 1400m in a BM64 at Sandown this afternoon (4:15pm AEDT). Set to jump from barrier two, Ben Thompson (57.5kg) will be in the saddle for her first-up run.
Selica was an impressive winner on debut at Moe in September before a midfield finish in a strong form race at The Valley in early October.
The daughter of Makfi has pleased Stokes in her work of recent weeks from her new home at Pakenham. Her recent Cranbourne trial, where Thompson also rode, lead to positive praise from all, reinforcing the belief that she had taken great benefit from her spell after finding the line very strongly in her last 200m.
Petruchio (barrier five) lines up in a 1600m BM70 (7:00pm AEDT) and will again have the services of an in-form Jordan Childs.
Petruchio was a dominant winner over the distance when last seen on January 16 at Pakenham. On that occasion, he came from the rear of the field, overpowering his rivals after having the race in his keeping a long way out.
Trainer, Archie Alexander has kept him up to his work in the month since which included a pleasing trial at Terang. He is primed to run a big race where we hope to see him utilise his sharp turn of foot.
Best of luck to connections!
