Rhianna Reigns out to extend purple patch

The mare has only missed a top four finish twice in her last 21 starts, with all but one of those runs coming at Wagga.

With four wins and two placings in her last six starts, trainer Rod Woodhouse is thrilled with how the four-year-old is performing.

"She is a pocket rocket," Woodhouse said.

"I never expected her to be this good.

"I thought if she could win three or four races I'd virtually get the money back that I'd paid for her and then I'd have a broodmare but she's won eight now."

However one thing is for sure. Rhianna Reigns won't be venturing too much further than the Cartwrights Hill circuit.

"It's just a pity I can't travel with her," Woodhouse said.

"By the time I got from my place to the track, which is about six kilometres max, she is a lather of sweat.

"She just kicks and we've tried everything so we just have to be happy to go to Wagga.

"She has probably got worse as she's got fitter and stronger and she's just into that habit now."

While Woodhouse is contemplating trying to stretch the mare out for a tilt at the Junee Pacers Cup next month he expects the daughter of Bettors Delight will soon head to the broodmare barn, a purpose she was originally purchased out of New Zealand for.

"I think her future lies in the breeding barn," Woodhouse said. "I was tempted to put her in foal this year but she is still only four.

"Hopefully I can get her right to go to the Junee Cup, as when she was first here we got her to Junee alright, and I'll probably finish with her after that, let her have a spell and get ready for next year to have a foal."

Rhianna Reigns has drawn barrier 10 in the Seymour Group Pace (1740m) to complete the eight-race card.

Dancing Chick has won three straight and is drawn to her immediate inside and despite the second row draw, Woodhouse expects she will soon find herself well and truly in the race.

"You can't be too kind to her as she has to be up there and whether she is in the death or leading I'm not sure but she will be up there," he said.

Woodhouse also lines up Bated Breath.

After winning for son Brett on debut, the mare has another two minor placings to her credit from seven starts.

However Woodhouse isn't confident an awkward starting point suits.

"She is probably going to have to come back and rely on a bit of luck," he said.

"She is in a different class, she's no Rhianna, but is doing a nice job.

"Brett had her going great so I just hope I can keep her going as good as he did."

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