Tacumwah ridden by Tatum Bull wins the Sportsbet Fast Form Handicap at Sportsbet Sandown Hillside Racecourse on May 08, 2024 in Springvale, Australia. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos)
Plans to run Tacumwah in the Group 1 Queensland Oaks have been abandoned and instead the Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman-trained filly will run at Flemington.
Tacumwah will step up to 2000m when she runs in the RDA Moorabbin Jane Baker Plate on Saturday, her first try at a trip beyond 1800m.
And Moody has gone to Linda Meech in a bid to find winning form again, replacing Tatum Bull who was aboard to filly at Sandown last time out.
Moody said the drier ground was instrumental in the decision to keep Tacumwah on home soil.
“I did have her in the Queensland Oaks, but I decided to not accept with her up there on the wet ground,” Moody said.
“I thought she’d be better suited back here on the firmer ground and she’s going to the 2000 metres for the first time.
“I’m looking for a more patient ride. Getting out to the 2000 metres, will suit her and Linda has ridden her before and knows her well.”
While Tacumwah will not be taking her place in the Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday, Moody and Coleman will still have representation in the shape of Mollynickers who will be ridden by Carleen Hefel.
The Victorian-based rider reunites with the filly after Jim Byrne had the mount when Mollynickers finished ninth in the Group 2 The Roses (2000m) at Doomben on May 25.
Moody is thankful Mollynickers has drawn a decent barrier on Saturday.
“She’s in good order and thankfully we’ve drawn a barrier for once,” Moody said.
“I’m hopeful we’ll be able to hold a midfield spot because we’ve had to drag her back to last in her past few runs because she’s drawn wide.
“I don’t think she’s a genuine stayer, but you could say that about most of the field.
“She can have this and then go for a spell, but I’m pleased she’ll have the chance to hold a midfield position which should enable her to be competitive and to run out the trip.”