Mazzolino back in top form

A change of tactics with Mazzolino had the desired outcome at Pukekohe where the well-related filly downed a competitive age group line-up over 1400 metres on Sunday.

The Waikato Stud-bred and raced daughter of champion sire Savabeel was quickly into stride from a wide barrier for rider Craig Grylls to sit in second spot to the turn.

The three-year-old strode to the front on straightening and she stayed on too well for her rivals.

“It was a good ride by Craig to get outside the leader from the gate and she was really brave,” Marsh said.

Mazzolino, who has won two of her five starts and is a multiple black type placegetter, had been unplaced in her previous appearance in the Listed Uncle Remus S. after drifting well back in the running.

“We probably went too far back and then when she was about to get up a head of steam she was blocked so we decided to go forward today,” Marsh said.

“She’s a very good filly and she’ll go down to Trentham now for the G3 Desert Gold S.”

Mazzolino is a sister to the multiple Group winner Atishu with their dam the No Excuse Needed mare Posy, who has an unraced two-year-old filly by Savabeel.

She is a half-sister to Waikato Stud’s three-time Group 1 winner Daffodil, who has produced a trio of black-type performers in Grand De Flora, Grand Bouquet and Snowdrop.

The extended family also includes the G1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas winner Aegon.