Star New Zealand mare Orchestral ready to return

Expectations for two-time Group 1 winner Orchestral will be kept in check when the outstanding mare resumes at Pukekohe on Saturday.

Orchestral, who claimed the New Zealand Derby and Vinery Stud Stakes during a memorable campaign as a three-year-old, will resume in the Group 2 Dunstan Horsefeeds Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) with underfoot conditions a major question mark.

Opposing her will be talented stablemate Arabian Songbird, who has come through the grades in grand style.

“Orchestral will probably run and definitely wants a better track, but we really need to get going and get her prep on the road,” said Robert Wellwood, who trains in partnership with Roger James.

“She has come back in very good order and looks as big and strong as we have ever seen her,” Wellwood said.

“She had a nice gallop at Te Aroha the other day and George (Rooke, jockey) was very happy, she is just going to be a mare that will be better when she goes over a mile and 2000m on a firmer surface.

“If it was a firm track, perhaps we would see a little more than we can now expect. If she hits the line strongly, we will be very pleased.”

The stable has yet to firm up the direction the Savabeel mare will take through the summer.

“There’s some nice options around Christmas and into the New Year, we would love to think we can get her to the (Group 1) Zabeel Classic,” Wellwood said.