3 minute read
If there’s one asset that will see talented mare Norwegian Bliss graduate to stakes winner this campaign, jockey Andrew Adkins says it’s an ability to relax that he hasn’t seen a lot from her before.
Andrew Adkins has been the Nathan Doyle-trained mare's regular partner in barrier trials for the past 18 months and, while he's missed a couple of chances through misadventure, he has two wins from two rides on race day so few people know her better.
The under-rated hoop believes that ability to relax might stand the five-year-old in good stead at Randwick on Saturday when she jumps from an awkward gate in the Group 3 $200,000 Robrick Lodge Triscay Stakes (1200m).
"She wanted to relax in the trial the other day so it might be a sign she is looking for further this preparation,'' Adkins said.
"This preparation is going to be about trying to tackle some classier races as we saw at the end of last prep but everything isn't going to be handed to her on a plate.
"She's always been a straightforward mare. I said to Nathan after the trials she might get a mile this time in because it appeared in the trial she was looking to get back and relax and settle.
"If she can do that it will help her get the mile."
While Norwegian Bliss has largely raced close to the speed in her seven wins to date, and in her only defeat when second in the Group 3 Heffernan Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield in November, Adkins said she's far from one-dimensional.
He points to her win at Hawkesbury back in April where James McDonald steered her home from near last on the turn as evidence and that means if he has to be conservative when the gates open he won't doubt the mare.
"When James rode her one day at Hawkesbury she got back sixth or seventh and he said if you ride her quieter she will show a lore more turn of foot,'' he said.
"And it was the same the other day in the trial so the barrier might not be so bad."
After two early scratchings, Norwegian Bliss moves into gate 10 in a 12 horse field. She was $3.30 favourite with TAB on Thursday.
Adkins, who won his maiden Group 1 back in 2018 on Daysee Doom, said he's rapt to be given the opportunity by Doyle and owner Gerry Harvey, long time supporters of the 25-year-old, to chase the Group 3 win on Saturday.
"Her record speaks for itself. I won two on her early and she's gone on since,'' he said.
"Her run at Caulfield was very good and since she's come back from a let up she trialled great.
"She's just ultra consistent and always has a crack. She tries to the best of her ability.
"It is going to be a little challenging for her. I'd love to see her running through the line and that way we'll know she's in for a good preparation."
