Photo: Grant Matthew (Race Images Palmerston North)
Penelope Cruise will run 1000m further than she has before when she contests the NZB Airfreight Road To Jericho (3210m) at New Plymouth on Saturday, but trainer Allan Sharrock believes she is up to the task.
The six-year-old daughter of Ocean Park heads into the race off the back of a win and runner-up performance over 2000 and 2100m respectively, giving Sharrock confidence ahead of her first staying assignment.
“I think the run at Hawera last week has topped her off nicely and she gives every indication that she is a two-mile horse, so it will be an interesting exercise,” Sharrock said.
While a win would make Penelope Cruise eligible for the Jericho Cup (4600m) at Warrnambool on November 28, Sharrock said he will wait until closer to the time to decide whether she makes her way across the Tasman.
“She has got a nomination for the New Zealand Cup (Gr.3, 3200m), which will be run on a firmer surface, so we will evaluate it as we go,” he said.
Bred by Tic Toc Thoroughbreds Ltd, Penelope Cruise was sold out of Curraghmore's 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock for $10,000. - NZ Racing Desk
