Mare to decide her own future

Under-rated galloper Somethingvain will dictate her own summer programme.

The talented daughter of Falkirk is chasing a breakthrough black type victory and the direction of her quest will depend on the immediate form of the lightly-raced six-year-old.

Somethingvain’s career-best performance came on her home track 12 months ago when she finished runner-up in the Gr.2 NRM Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) and at Pukekohe on Saturday she will be bidding to go one better.

"We’re doing exactly the same with her as we did last year – one run and then this one a month later,” said Michael Rogers, who trains with his brother Matthew and their father Matt.

"She’s come back really well and she’s strengthened up with a spell.”

Last year, Somethingvain was unplaced in an open sprint at Ellerslie ahead of the Breeders’ Stakes and this time around she finished third in the same lead-up event.

"She has progressed nicely and she’s in very good order, we’re pretty happy” Rogers said.

Victory on Saturday would earn Somethingvain, the winner of six of her 24 starts, a Group One opportunity at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day.

"If she wins we would have a crack at the Railway, if not then we would be looking at the Listed Newmarket and then the Westbury Classic,” Rogers said.

Somethingvain has finished fourth in the last two editions of the Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1400m), formerly run in March and now been brought forward to January 27.

"That improves the chances of a dry track, which suits her much better,” Rogers said.

"She hasn’t been served this year so we’re looking for a black type win for her to help her future value for the owners.”

Somethingvain is raced by Ken Beer, Alan Young and Chris Grace, the latter has experienced Group One success in the past with his Group One Diamond Stakes (1200m) and Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) winner Anabandana. – NZ Racing Desk.