News & Media

18 April 2012 A fitter Chong Nonsi will be improved: Crump

Annette Crump is confident Chong Nonsi will be improved when she returns home to contest the Mt Barker Transport Service Handicap (1850m) this afternoon.

The talented Blackfriars mare had her colours lowered by Lunar Image at Ascot a fortnight ago when she finished fourth and three lengths from the Neville Parnham-trained galloper.

It followed a third to Flashy Doll and a brilliant first-up win at Albany when she powered home from near last to defeat Hallowell Fever over 1200m.

"She was a little underdone in Perth but at her fourth start this preparation she will be at peak fitness," said Crump.

"She will need to be against a field that has depth to it.

"I thought dodging the city and coming home might have been an easy one.

"But she is a lot fitter now and I expect her to go real well."

Stable mate Cestrinius resumed from a spell last month and ran a competitive fifth to Classy Flirt in a busy finish at Mount Barker.

The Helenus entire, with just one win from 12 starts, will need luck from a wide barrier in the Advertiser Print Handicap (1200m).

"This little horse has been unlucky and although he is no super champ he has put in some super run," said Crump.

"He is out of his distance range and will be better suited over further ground but on his day he is capable of putting in a good one.

"I would absolutely not be discounting his chances."

Dianella had her first outing for Crump at Albany on cup day and landed her first cheque in eight starts when third to Stripped Bear.

The Bletchley Park mare, formerly with Sonya Price, has drawn barrier five for jockey Jason Whiting in the Likely Lads Maiden (1100m).

"I'm really pleased with the way she is going since arriving from Perth," said Crump.

"I'm expecting a forward showing."