Jockey Jarrad Noske has built a strong association with Fuchsia Bandana but he can’t offer any explanation for her poor performance last time out and it’s one that he wants to completely wipe away from his memory bank.
After running a bolter in the Birthday Stakes (1200m) in October when she pushed Black Heart Bart to a long-head second, Fuchsia Bandana flopped in the Group 3 Northerly Stakes (1400m), fading to seventh against the same horse.
“It was pretty disappointing and it’s probably the first time she has ever gone so badly in her whole career,” said Noske on TABradio.
“I’m a little bit dumfounded to be honest.
“Darren seems to think he has her back on the right track.”
Fuchsia Bandana, trained by Darren McAuliffe, comes up against a small but crack line up in the Group 2 WAROA-Lee Steere Stakes (1400m).
Headlining the field of seven is last season’s Champion Australian 3YO Filly, Delicacy, who has overcome a minor setback.
Delicacy was scratched from the Group 3 Prince Of Wales Stakes (1200m) on October 24 after she received a minor flesh wound.
The daughter of Al Maher, looks primed for her first up assault after comfortably winning a 950m Lark Hill trial on Monday.
Delicacy, who steps out for her first official outing since claiming dual Group 1 wins in Adelaide in May, has never been beaten in two first up attempts.
Her match up against Black Heart Bart will be one to savour, the latter unbeaten this campaign and out to land his third feature race success.
Stable mate, Magnifisio, has a strong second up record and will strip fitter after a narrow third in the Prince Of Wales Stakes (1200m).
Noske says Fuschia Bandana, who ran a long-neck second to Magnifisio in last year’s WAROA Lee Steere Stakes, was up to the challenge.
“At her best she will be giving this race a shake for sure,” he said.
Black Heart Bart ($2.40) and Delicacy ($2.70) are in a battle for TAB favouritism.
Fuchsia Bandana is rated an $11 chance.
Noske will also team up with Young Lionel in the Listed Ascot Gold Cup (1800m). The pair collected the Northam Cup (1600m) on October 25.
RWWA: Julio Santarelli