Pepperell ready for regal Group One debut

“SHE has surprised us by handling everything thrown at her, so we’re hoping she can handle it…”

That’s how regular driver Anne-Maree Conroy summed up Regal Pepperell’s jump into Group One company at Tabcorp Melton on Saturday night.

Racing in sensational form, Regal Pepperell will contest the Australian Trotting Grand Prix, which is part of a stellar program for ‘purists’.

Having won five of her last six starts, the Michael Barby-trained trotter has “earned a shot at big race” according to Conroy.

“It is a step up in class, but she has surprised us by handling everything thrown at her, so we’re hoping she can handle it,” Conroy said.

“It is unbelievable how has she has turned it around. She was trotting roughly, mixing her form and had Mick scratching his head.

“He tried different things with her and all of a sudden she’s taken off. She’s in great form and has earned a shot at big race like this.”

Although the daughter of Majestic Son has drawn well in the pole, Conroy isn’t planning to rush the squaregaiter away from the mobile.

“I’m not expecting to lead, but I am hoping she can come out well enough,” Conroy said. “If she can hold her own and settle in a good position early I will be happy.

“She does like a little more distance, but 2240 metres is not too bad. Over mile a couple of starts ago she was only starting to get warm when the race was over.”