Harry Coffey confident Shockletz has class to handle ‘tricky' weight rise at Flemington
The Ciaron Maher -trained filly produced a barnstorming finish last start under Coffey at Flemington to grab plucky runner-up Prochester on the post, with 4½ lengths back to third-placed Nearco Frod.
The trio meet again, with Prochester (2kg) and Nearco Frod (3kg) beneficiaries of significant weight swings on Shockletz, up 4kg on last start.
'That will be tricky, but she's classy,' Coffey said.
'She is only little but she has got a great turn of foot.
'She's got enough class, she should be able to handle weight rises.'
Shochletz is a $3 favourite to win the 3YO Quality Handicap (2000m) from Nearco Frod ($6.50), Vellasmachine ($6.50), American Wolf ($11) and Prochester ($11).
Shockletz sustained a strong gallop last start on her own, most impressively, to reel in Prochester.
'I thought I was always going to win but the second horse to its credit might've stuck on a bit better than everyone thought,' Coffey said.
'It was a super win and we cleared right out from the rest.'
Developing stayer Shockletz, a three-time winner from six starts, resumed with victory at Bendigo then found 1600m a fraction short second-up, fourth at Sandown behind the in-form Taken.
The 2000m trip last start proved ideal.
'I thought she'd win second-up because she went so well first-up, maybe she wanted 2000m third-up and that showed how well she won the other day,' Coffey said.
'She is green, so each run she's improving … learning on the job a little bit.'
Coffey has seven rides at Flemington on Saturday including Midwest (race 3), Through Irish Eyes (R6) and Fieldelo (R9), a seven-length Bendigo winner last start.
'It's obviously a big step in grade but she's an exciting filly,' Coffey said.
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