Coella is the Latin word for Rabbit, but the equine version is no bunny at long odds and brings a pair of strong recent wins into a deep Rosehill Gardens TAB Highway on Saturday.
While the betting suggests the race is shaping as an action replay of recent Highways, Muswellbrook trainer Cassandra Stummer is hinting she can split the favourites with her ultra consistent four-year-old mare Coella.
In recent episodes the ACT contingent of Everido, Sunchyme and Lambay ran the trifecta and previously Everido was second to Albury’s Villasaurus. They all return on Saturday and head the betting markets at each way odds while Coella is $14.
Trainer Cassandra Stummer (Pic: Grant Guy)
Cassandra and her partner, jockey Daniel Northey, nominated the dual winning Coella an Outreach protégé for Dubbo, Gunnedah and Tuncurry where she would have taken no end of beating.
But they elected to jump a grade with her into a tough “Gardens” Class 3, $120,000, 1500m episode.
With 55kg for Reece Jones she has an advantageous weight drop off winning form and an inside gate.
Cassandra and Daniel are upbeat with Coella’s wins at Quirindi and Muswellbrook and four placings from just seven starts, including a BM 64 third at Newcastle recently.
“She’s super genuine, we decided Sydney with the form she’s in, a weight drop, inside gate and the level of prizemoney,” offers Cassandra – mother of two, pre-trainer, track-work rider and in her fifth training season.
They were unlucky enough in last week’s Highway when second with Miss Rebel to strike the unbeaten Cambar one of the hottest prospects in Country Racing and the target of big offers.
“We ran into a real smart one, I haven’t won in Sydney yet but I’m hoping and this mare is here to run well,” she said.
“She always does, out in distance suits and upside. Eventually she will be a nice miler we think.
“That benchmark placing at Newcastle lines up for a Country class 3. She can be a bit fizzy but always puts in on race day, settles and travels. We’re planning to possie closer from the good gate.
“My daughter Ivy named her after a Rabbit. There’s not a lot of her but plenty in heart.”
Early in her training career Cassandra was on overload with a young family and riding work and running a stable after Daniel suffered multiple fractures in a severe 2017 track accident with ongoing repercussions.
Two years ago, at 33, he was forced to have a hip replacement and was out of action long term. But he eventually recovered well enough and regained the confidence for race riding.
“When Daniel was incapacitated, it was really tough the work-load of family, track-work and pre-trainers,” she said.
“With Daniel back sharing the work, picking up race rides again, and enjoying what he does best it makes all the difference.”
– Racing NSW
