Grocer’s Girl defying pedigree for shot at early stakes win

Physique and pedigree didn’t point to Kiwi filly Grocer’s Girl emerging as a two-year-old black-type prospect, but stakes success now beckons in her final appearance of the season.

The Tony Pike-prepared daughter of Tarzino has been unlucky in two starts to date and will look to turn her fortunes around in the Listed Cloudsoft Accounting Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Ellerslie.

“She has surprised us to be fair, she’s a lovely, big scopey type with natural ability and because of that she’s come to it a lot earlier than what we originally thought,” the Cambridge-based trainer said.

Grocer’s Girl has jumped from the outside barrier in both of her appearances, finishing strongly for second on debut at Ellerslie and then suffered an interrupted run when fifth in the Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes (1400m).

“She’s a pretty promising filly and has obviously had no luck with barrier draws to date,” Pike said.

“She should have gone close to winning at Te Rapa and got held up pretty much the whole straight and never really got clear.

“She is very talented going forward and the mile looks ideal for her on Saturday.”

Grocer’s Girl will again have to contend with the widest gate but is only opposed by five rivals and Samantha Collett will continue her association with the filly.