Race Images PN
Samantha Logan is in no way overawed as she prepares for her first shot at a Group race with Iwannadancelikehim at Tauranga on Saturday.
Cambridge-based Logan, the daughter of trainers Donna and the late Dean Logan, has been training for less than three years but has already shown that she has inherited her parents' training genes with four wins to her name from limited runners.
She has developed Gr.2 Windsor Park Stud Japan-New Zealand International Trophy contender Iwannadancelikehim since he returned from Hong Kong, where injury prevented him from racing, taking him through the grades to the point where he has now won three of his seven starts and never missed a placing.
"He's done everything right this preparation so he deserves his shot at black-type," Logan said.
Iwannadancelikehim has solid form, having finished third to subsequent winners Emily Monk and Watch This Space at Te Rapa prior to a good win over 1400m in Rating 75 grade at Hastings earlier this month.
"He's trained on very well and I'm really happy with him," Logan said.
"I'm expecting him to enjoy the step up to 1600m too. He's been getting more dour in his races. Michael [Coleman, jockey] had to really work on him to get him up to the speed last time. I probably would have liked to have had a go over a mile before this one but the time just seems right."
Logan has produced Magna Carta in the Listed Taumarunui Cup and also in a prestige jumps race at Ellerslie last year but Iwannadancelikehim tackling the Tauranga feature on Saturday marks her first runner in a Group race.
"It would be a big thrill to win," Logan said.
"It's a pretty even field on paper. There are some serious older racehorses in there, the likes of Julinsky Prince and Matimba, who looks likely to set a true speed in front. But my horse definitely has the class to be there.
"It's his first time at a mile and his first time in this grade but I'm happy with him and I think he will measure up." - NZ Racing Desk