Driefontein has recorded three wins and a third from her four race starts to date in Queensland and trainer Gai Waterhouse is hoping that she can maintain that stellar record when she contests the 2014 Doomben 10,000 this weekend.
Driefontein took out the 2011 Group 3 B.J. McLachlan Stakes (1200m) in her only previous start at Doomben and won the 2012 Magic Millions (1200m) before finishing third in the 2013 Magic Millions Guineas (1400m) and winning the 2014 Magic Millions Fillies And Mares Handicap (1350m) in her three starts at the Gold Coast.
The Fastnet Rock mare failed to fire in two race starts during the 2014 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival, but found her best form in Adelaide; recording wins in both the Group 3 Irwin Stakes (1100m) at Morphettville on April 12 and Group 1 Robert Sangster Classic (1200m) before finishing 15th in the Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m).
Waterhouse believes that Driefontein always find her best form when she races outside of New South Wales and said that she is happy with the condition of the four-year-old ahead of the Doomben 10,0000 this weekend.
“Driefontein has more frequent flyer points than any other horse I know and she just loves to travel, she doesn’t like to be at home and I’ve never met a horse like her,” Waterhouse said.
“You give her her bags, pack them up, put them on a float and she gives you a wave and says see you later and brings home a Group 1.
“She has done really well, people say that she has trained off, but she hasn’t trained off and she looks bonny and has been enjoying the lovely beach in Queensland.
“She goes to the beach at Nudgee every day and I am a great believer that when mares are racing well you should keep them racing because things can change hormonally so quickly.”
Vlad Duric rode Driefontein in her three race starts in Adelaide, but Nash Rawiller has been booked to partner the mare in the Doomben 10,000 and will be riding the Group 1 winner for the first time since he was charged for careless riding when he partnered her in the Fly Handicap (1000m) at Randwick on December 20 last year.
“This time she will be ridden by Nash Rawiller,” Waterhouse said.
“I felt that Vlad was better suited in Melbourne and South Australia and Nash is riding in Queensland and has been my stable jockey for long time.
“He knows Driefontein well.”
Driefontein is currently available at 2014 Doomben 10,000 odds of $21, while Buffering ($4.20) remains a narrow favourite from Rebel Dane ($4.60) and Spirit Of Boom ($4.80).