Mowbray expects tough effort from his mare

By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk

Distance and a grass surface is what She’s Tough loves, and that’s exactly what she will get at Methven on Sunday.

The daughter of He’s Watching returned to form at Oamaru last start when finishing fourth over 3000m, a distance she has posted two of her four victories.

She will enjoy another staying test at Mt Harding Racecourse this weekend in the Garrards Horse & Hound Hororata Cup (3000m) and Mowbray expects another bold showing from the five-year-old.

“She hadn’t raced for a good-long while, but her runs have been improving runs, so I have been pleased with the way she is going,” Mowbray said.

“She enjoys getting over a bit more ground and she enjoys the grass, she just seems to be in a good place.

“If she gets a cushy run, she can see out that distance pretty well.”

She’s Tough will be met by some handy pacers on Sunday, including Group Three winner Di Caprio who will start from behind the 35m tape.

“There are some nice horses in that field, and they are a good even bunch, so a lot of it will come down to who gets the better run,” Mowbray said.

“She will follow them and hopefully get a nice drag into it at some point.”

A part of the Country Cups series, Mowbray is hoping he can get his mare into the rich final next month.

“They have got that $100,000 carrot with the Country Cups Final, so we will try and sneak into that somehow,” he said.

Mowbray will also head to Metheven with Spicy Girl Becqui and Gypsy who have drawn barriers two and three respectively in the Nufarm NZ Ltd Mobile Pace (2300m).

“They are the best draws they have had in a while,” Mowbray said.

“I was especially happy with Gypsy at Oamaru the other day, she ran home quite strong (for fourth).

“Spicy Girl Becqui just got a bit keen through the middle stages, so she will have to behave herself on Sunday.

“I don’t think they are without a chance.”