Delay Possibly a Blessing for Entriviere

Saturday's Gr2 Sheraco Stakes at Kembla Grange may not have been the starting point Entriviere's connections originally had in mind this spring, but the change of plans may turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the exciting Kiwi mare. Entriviere (Tavistock) has made pleasing progress since then, including a trial win at Randwick last Thursday. According to NZ Racing Desk, compared to the daunting task of carrying 59 topweight from gate 19 in the Toy Show, Entriviere will jump from gate six on Saturday with just 55.5kg on her back. "This race on Saturday certainly looks like a very nice option for her to kick off in," trainer Jamie Richards said. "She's managed to draw a good gate this time, and she certainly gets in much better at the weights in a set-weights and penalties race than she would in a handicap, so I think it's worked out well." Richards' Sydney spring contingent also features last season's super-impressive Gr1 Sistema Stakes winner Sword of State (Snitzel, who was forced out of last month's Gr3 San Domenico Stakes due to rain-affected ground and a slight concern around his bloods.

Entriviere is favoured for the Sheraco Stakes (pic: Trish Dunell)