The Phillip and Tommy Stokes stable has sent Obucci to Adelaide with the aim of securing another metropolitan success.
Obucci will compete in the Adelaide Galvanising Industries Handicap (1250m) at Morphettville Parks on Saturday, with Noel Callow booked for the ride.
Phillip Stokes stated that Obucci was transferred from their Pakenham stable to their Morphettville base to find a firmer racing surface.
The filly began her career in Stakes company in Adelaide, finishing outside the placings, before moving to Melbourne. She was then beaten at Benalla first-up and later won a 1300m maiden at Sandown in October last year.
Stokes took an ‘aggressive’ approach with Obucci, targeting Caulfield during their Cup Carnival, but she encountered a smart field of three-year-old fillies in a race won by Point Barrow.
After one more start, Obucci was given a spell and did not return until July on a heavy track at Sandown, finishing in the latter half of the field.
“She needs a dry track,” Stokes advised.
“I took her to Sandown, and she didn’t like the wet track, so we put her back on the synthetic where she won (at Pakenham) and then ran second.
“If she gets a dry track, she’ll be around the mark. We’re happy with how she’s going and she should be very competitive.
“It’s the right sort of race to try and get another city win on the board.”
Stokes mentioned the stable has been happy to support Callow, who has been based in Adelaide since completing a period of suspension.
Callow returned to riding at the start of the new season and has ridden four winners from 37 rides since his comeback.
“He’s been coming in for quite a while and helping us,” Stokes remarked.
“His feedback has been good and he’s a revitalised Noel Callow.
“He’s having a crack at it which is good and we’re happy to have him on our horses.”
Besides Obucci, Callow is also booked to ride Cosmic Shower, Princess Painton, and Divergent for the Stokes team.
With a preference for dry ground, Obucci is expected to perform well in the Adelaide Galvanising Industries Handicap on Saturday; explore the available online bookmakers for the best odds.
