Avista's metropolitan success prompts further plans from trainer Messara

Trainer Paul Messara is considering another start for the progressive mare Avista, who successfully stepped up to metropolitan racing with a last-stride triumph at Randwick.

Sent out as the $2.25 favourite for the Precise Air Handicap (1400m) on Saturday, following three prior country victories, including a decisive 4-1/2 length win at Muswellbrook, the four-year-old conceded ground to her rivals. She rallied strongly under James McDonald in the home straight to defeat Mind Ya Bizz ($31) by a half-head.

It marked McDonald's first time aboard Avista, and he indicated that a different race strategy might have been employed had he known the mare better. Those tracking the best bonus bets Australia would have seen the market elect justify the confidence with a determined finishing effort.

"If I had my time again, she would have won more comfortably," McDonald conveyed.

"Watching replays of lesser class, she's had some zip about her. Up in class today, back in trip a little bit, she was a bit flat-footed. It wasn't ideal."

Messara will closely monitor Avista's condition in the coming days but is keen to provide her with another race experience.

This is expected to be her final run for the preparation, with the Scone-based horseman anticipating she will be even better next campaign.

"We'll see how she comes through this. There are other races coming up for her," Messara remarked.

"I think this preparation, it's about targeting one more race like this and then giving her a little break, and I'd say the autumn will be the time for her."

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