Madam Instrife hopes to take trial form to feature Newcastle meeting
Lightly raced four-year-old Madam Instrife returns to the track on Thursday and looks set to strike first-up at Newcastle.
The mare resumes in the Red Funnel Food Distributors 4YO&UP Maiden Plate over 1200m, and she profiles well for this assignment after looking sharp in a recent trial at Rosehill Gardens, where she moved with style.
Racing returns to Newcastle on Thursday.Credit: Getty
The Hawkes-trained galloper has only had the one career start last campaign at Canterbury, where she should’ve won. Her effort was full of merit.
She had to be restrained from a wide draw but got into an awkward spot before the home turn and was blocked for a run in the final straight.
Once clear, she savaged the line to just miss in a tight finish, and her late visual strength was backed up by the clock, recording the meeting’s fastest final 200m split.
She looks to have come back more mature and will have residual fitness.
Additionally, she has the clear best last-start figure, is proven on the rain-affected ground, and has a superior closing speed relative to rivals.
Lady Ichikawa looms as a threat, and she looks set to peak after a solid performance 12 days ago at this track and distance.
The locally trained five-year-old is now at optimal fitness, and her usual rider, Jean Van Overmeire, sticks from a soft draw, which will give her every chance.
