Pfieffer Sends His Jewel on the Hunt for Treasure at Scone

Patience befits the greatest of horseman and when it comes to the big races few can be forgiving of bad barriers and luck in running. 

Surely the fortunes of David Pfieffer are due for a change, after his star mares Denmagic, Dixie Chick and Cradle Me experienced a run of outs over the past few months leaving Pfieffer with a string of placings and glimpses of what could have been. 

Undeterred by the mare’s last start effort at Hawkesbury when finishing midfield in the Godolphin Crown, Pfieffer again has faith in the evergreen Cradle Me and is confident she has the momentum to put herself into contention at the upcoming Scone carnival. 

On first glance, Cradle Me’s 11th placing in the group 3 event at Hawkesbury looked to be disappointing, yet Pfieffer could see his mare was not entirely to blame. 

“Originally I thought they had gone hard up front in the race but the sectionals showed a different story” he said. 

“It was a slowly run race and it was really hard to make up the ground she needed to win. 

“Being a back-marker who likes to settle back in the field, and barrier 13 was always going to make it difficult for her, but to her credit she is still wanting to attack the line and enjoying her racing.” 

Cradle Me will have start number 48 on Saturday at the famous Scone Carnival in the listed Luskin Star Stakes, the only country race club to host a group race in NSW. 

A hugely popular event set amongst the picturesque Scone country track sees the multi-million dollar breeding industry meet city-class action over two days. 

Joining Cradle Me on the truck to Scone are Pfieffer’s promising fillies Refuge Bay and Dixie Chick, who will race on ‘cup day’ Friday in the 1300m maiden and CL2 handicap respectively.  

Dixie Chick has shown above average talent winning two from four thanks to a stirring finishing sprint that, like fellow flag bearers Denmagic and Cradle Me, allows her to reel impressive sectionals and come from behind in her races. 

Refuge Bay, by champion New Zealand sire Savabeel, will be having just her second start after a pleasing effort at Canterbury on the 27 April.

The 3yo filly has impressed in her work over the past week and the team are more than happy with her demeanour heading into Friday’s assignment. 

Upcoming Runners

WEDNESDAY 11 MAY 

CANTERBURY 

BRILLIANT METEOR

R5. Mcgrath Estate Agents Handicap | 1580m | 60kg 

He would have been dancing in the rain on Monday morning with the downpour as this son of Northern Meteor loves the wet tracks. Steps up in distance from his first up effort at Randwick and will take plenty of improvement from the run, jumping from barrier 8 with Travis Wolfgram to pilot. 

ROMAN ODYSSEY 

R7. TAB More Than Just Winning Handicap | 1250m | 57.5kg 

Wasn't afforded the best of runs at his last start at Randwick over 1400m and has trained on well since. He is back to 1250m and will no doubt get a soft run from barrier 2 with Tye Angland to ride. 

FRIDAY 13 MAY 

SCONE 

DIXIE CHICK 

R4. Turangga Farm CL2 Handicap | 1300m | 55kg

Talented filly down in grade from her hard luck run in the Listed South Pacific Classic at Randwick when unsuited by the track and caught wide early. Back to 1300m after a freshen-up and has galloped well in the lead up; including her pleasing trial on Friday 6 May behind Group 1 winner Japonisme. Jockey Sam Clipperton will have her settled and ready to pounce when the whips are cracking. 

REFUGE BAY 

R8. Segenhoe Stud Maiden Handicap | 1300m | 57kg 

Has done very well since her credible debut run when a closing fourth at Canterbury. She is bred to get over further and will appreciate the step up in trip with race experience on her side with a gun ride from Glyn Schofield. 

SATURDAY 14 MAY  

SCONE 

CRADLE ME

R6. Yarraman Park - Horsepower Luskin Star Stks L | 1300m | 56.5kg 

She gets a good run from gate 4 against the males and carries 56.5kg in this 1300m test. Her work has been pleasing during the week and she has shown no sign of slowing down this preparation. Reunites with Christian Reith and set to motor home at Scone.