Tony Noonan’s stable star ‘Ortensia’ looks to begin her ambitious winter campaign stylishly, when she resumes in the Group 1 Galaxy at Randwick on Saturday.
Ortensia will be having her first start since an indifferent Spring, which concluded with her win in the Group 2 Winterbottom Stakes at Ascot last November.
Noonan has mapped out an elaborate campaign for Ortensia starting with Saturday’s Galaxy in Sydney, before heading to Queensland for a further four Group 1 races.
Queensland was a happy hunting ground for the mare last winter, winning the Group 2 QTC cup at Eagle Farm, and also finishing third to Black Piranha in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap.
Noonan is pleased with Ortensia’s work heading into the race, and believes the break has been worthwhile.
“She’s been in work three to four months and has had an ideal preparation,” he said.
The four year old tuned up for her return with an impressive three length win over ‘Delago Bolt’ and ‘Stryker’ in an 800-metre barrier trial at Warwick Farm.
“Craig flew up to ride her and has been glowing in his reports on her since the day he first rode her,” Noonan said.
“He was pretty excited after she won the trialâ€.
Ortensia is currently the $4 favourite for Saturday’s event.
Written by Isaac Chaplin
