Trainer Paul Messara plans to give improving mare Avista another outing following her successful step-up to metropolitan racing with a narrow Randwick victory.
The four-year-old, sent out at $2.25 in the Precise Air Handicap (1400m) on Saturday, had strung together three country wins, most notably a 4-1/2 length romp at Muswellbrook. She conceded several lengths at the top of the straight but kept responding to jockey James McDonald to snatch the win by a half-head from Mind Ya Bizz ($31).
It was McDonald’s first ride on Avista, and he suggested he might have handled the race differently if he had known the mare better. Those who checked the best bonus bets Australia would have seen the market favourite justify the confidence with a strong finish.
“If I had my time again, she would have won more comfortably,” McDonald stated.
“Watching replays of lesser class, she’s had some zip about her. Up in class today, back in trip a little bit, she was a bit flat-footed. It wasn’t ideal.”
Messara will monitor Avista’s condition over the coming days, but he is eager to give her another start.
It is anticipated this will be her final run for the preparation, with the Scone-based trainer believing she will perform even better next time around.
“We’ll see how she comes through this. There are other races coming up for her,” Messara said.
“I think this preparation, it’s about targeting one more race like this and then giving her a little break, and I’d say the autumn will be the time for her.”
Check out racing odds at leading online bookmakers for Avista’s next potential start.