American Time is being aimed to finish her current campaign in the $150,000 Listed Wagga Wagga Cup (2000m) on May 6, but first she must get through her next run on Sunday.
Gratz Vella will target the Wagga Cup with American Time Photo: Stuart Walmsley
The Gratz Vella-trained galloper will step out next in the $30,000 Murrumbidgee Cup (1800m) on Sunday, which will also be staged at the Wagga racecourse.
The Murrumbidgee Cup serves as the prelude event to the Wagga Cup, and Vella expects American Time to perform strongly despite having not run a place since she resumed seven starts back.
The All American mare has been racing in strong company this time in, and barring a poor showing on a boggy track in the $170,000 Listed Albury Cup, she has not been disgraced in any of her outings.
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Vella believes that circumstances have not aligned to allow American Time to demonstrate her full ability this campaign.
"Every time I've had her right, she's been either over the wrong distance or she's been racing on a wet track," Vella said.
The Canberra trainer is hopeful that forecasted light showers can stay away from the Wagga racecourse in the lead-up to Sunday's race and that the track will remain a good-3, which will suit his four-year-old.
Vella believes American Time will run out the 1800 metres nicely, and with an in-form apprentice hoop in the saddle, will have no excuses on Sunday.
"I've got Kayla Nisbet on her, and she's been riding her work," Vella said. "Kayla's been very happy with her work.
"The horse likes racing from behind, and being over 1800 [metres], I think Kayla will be trying to be midfield with cover, and give the horse a bit of daylight when she straightens up and let her come home.
"There's a little bit of speed there, so if she can settle midfield I think she'll be right there at the finish."