Obucci targets Adelaide success on firmer ground

The Phillip and Tommy Stokes stable has relocated Obucci to Adelaide with the objective of securing another city win.

Obucci is slated to participate in the Adelaide Galvanising Industries Handicap (1250m) at Morphettville Parks this coming Saturday, with Noel Callow assigned as the rider.

Phillip Stokes explained that Obucci was transferred from their Pakenham stable to their Morphettville base specifically to find a firmer racing surface.

The filly began her racing career in Stakes races in Adelaide but was unplaced. She then moved to Melbourne, where she was defeated at Benalla on her initial start before winning a 1300m maiden at Sandown in October of the previous year.

Stokes took a bold approach with Obucci, entering her at Caulfield during their esteemed Cup Carnival. However, she faced a competitive field of three-year-old fillies in a race that was ultimately claimed by Point Barrow.

After one more competitive outing, Obucci was granted a spell and did not reappear until July. Her return was on a heavy track at Sandown, where she finished towards the rear of the pack.

"She needs a dry track," Stokes confirmed.

"I took her to Sandown, and she didn't like the wet track, so we put her back on the synthetic where she won (at Pakenham) and then ran second.

"If she gets a dry track, she'll be around the mark. We're happy with how she's going and she should be very competitive.

"It's the right sort of race to try and get another city win on the board."

Stokes noted that the stable has been content to support Callow, who has established himself in Adelaide following the conclusion of a suspension period.

Callow made his return to the riding ranks at the commencement of the current racing season and has since ridden four winners from 37 engagements.

"He's been coming in for quite a while and helping us," Stokes remarked.

"His feedback has been good and he's a revitalised Noel Callow.

"He's having a crack at it which is good and we're happy to have him on our horses."

Alongside Obucci, Callow is also booked to ride Cosmic Shower, Princess Painton, and Divergent for the Stokes stable.

With aspirations for a city win, Obucci's chances in Saturday's Adelaide Galvanising Industries Handicap are enhanced by the prospect of a dry track; explore the available racing betting markets for this event.