Chance to become clan’s latest feature winner

A TOUGH draw has dampened Change Tact’s bid to become her clan’s latest feature winner this weekend.

An exceptionally-bred mare, Change Tact is a half-sister to triple Group One star One Change, while her unraced dam Changedown is a half-sister to former champion Changeover.

A star of the early 2000s, Changeover captured six Group Ones, including the famed New Zealand Cup and Len Smith Mile at Club Menangle.

Changeover’s dam, Chaangerr was a handy race mare, which is a half-sister to the great Chokin.

Chokin secured an incredible 13 Group Ones – including two Miracle Miles at Club Menangle’s former home, Harold Park, and two New Zealand Cups.

Sadly, Chokin was found dead in a paddock while enjoying a break not long after contesting the 1995 Inter Dominion Final, with his record sitting at 34 wins and 11 placings from 59 starts for a bankroll of $1,801,685.

As for Change Tact’s quest, she will contest the Listed Classic Winter Gift Final at Club Menangle on Saturday night.

“She’s a lovcely mare which is great to do anything with,” trainer Darren Atkinson said. “She has only been here for a couple of months, but I really like her.

“I’m not sure what the plans are for her beyond this year, but with her breeding, ability and nature, she will make a lovely broodmare.

“Hopefully we can add to her value as a broodmare on Saturday night.”

Winner of her last two starts, including a series heat last week, Change Tact faces a daunting task after drawing barrier 11 over 1609 metres.

The five-year-old slots into nine with the removal of the emergencies.

TAB Fixed Odds have Change Tact kept safe in betting at $9, with Our Rocker a $1.90 favourite from gate six.

“She has drawn a bit wide, which makes it very hard,” Atkinson said. “She is in great form, has been working well and I couldn’t be happier with her condition, so I still expect a good run from her.

“We’ll have to go back from the draw, which means we’re hoping the speed is on and she can come with one run.

“She does go well when driven back with a sit, so that’s what we will rely on.”