La Rosa out to break maidens

By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk

Promising filly La Rosa has only missed a placing once in her five career starts and she will be out to rectify that in the Magness Benrow Sires’ Stakes Fillies Heat 3 Mobile Pace (1980m) at Addington Raceway on Thursday.

The Mark Jones-trained three-year-old ran home well from the back of the field to finish fifth in Heat 2 of the series a fortnight ago, and Jones was pleased with her efforts.

“From the draw (9) it was almost impossible to get any money, but she found the line well,” he said.

“She has been racing well all season and has come through her last start run really good.”

Jones is looking forward to seeing how La Rosa goes on Thursday, with a couple of big targets ahead of her in the next month, including the Listed NZB Standardbred Harness Million 1 Filles Pace (1980m).

“She holds her own out of the gates and she can do work mid-stages if she has to,” Jones said.

“Hopefully we can position a lot handier than we did last week. If she does she is going to be a chance.

“She is a nice, progressive filly who will keep getting better. She has got big assignments in a couple of weeks so she will want to stand up this week.”

Stablemate Orlando Magic will make her raceday return after nearly a year away from the track when she contests the Avon City Ford Mobile Trot (1980m) and Jones said she will be in need of the run.

“Orlando Magic has been off a long time and has only had two quiet trials,” he said. “The first one was just fair, but the second one was better. They ran no time in either, so she will definitely benefit from the race.

“If she finishes in the top half of the field we will be happy.”

Sioux Princess will complete Jones’ trio of runners on Thursday when she lines-up in the Nevele R Stud Mobile Trot (1980m).

The daughter of Majestic Son disappointed when finishing unplaced over 1980m last start and Jones is hoping for an improved performance on Thursday.

“She was awful last start, but she can do that, so we will put a line through that run,” Jones said.

“Nothing seems wrong with her and on her best day she is a strong each-way chance in that field.”