Marsh Multi Tasking Across Racing Regions

Stephen Marsh is set for a trans-Tasman tilt this weekend with a team of stakes contenders spread across two states in Australia and a quality line-up on home soil. The Cambridge trainer is targeting Morphettville with Roctave (NZ), while Tardelli takes aim at the Gr.2 Queensland Guineas (1600m) at Eagle Farm. Meanwhile, Marsh will also saddle Lady Iris (NZ) and Mazino (NZ) in a clash of in-form fillies at Te Rapa's Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes (1200m). Roctave, a son of Roc De Cambes raced by The Oaks Stud, has been thriving in Melbourne, impressing in a gallop at Flemington before heading to South Australia on Thursday. Marsh, recently back from Hong Kong after El Vencedor (NZ) underperformed in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup, has high hopes for Roctave's Derby tilt. "He's really well and has done a treat since he's been over there," Marsh said. "He won so well at Ellerslie that we thought there could be a nice race in him, and then he went a boomer for third in the Championship Stakes. The first and second horses Kiwi Skyhawk and Zormella – are well above average, so we thought we'd have a crack at the Derby." Jordan Childs takes the ride, and Roctave will return home after the run. Tardelli heads north with momentum after a luckless run in the Gr2 Wellington Guineas and a strong second in the Gr.3 Easter Handicap (1600m), earning his shot at Brisbane. "Michael McNab has gone over to ride him; he's drawn wide (13), but he's settled in really well," Marsh said. "He breezed up this morning so we're happy with him. He was very good against older horses in the Easter without a whole lot of luck again." The performance will guide whether the I Am Invincible gelding continues through the Queensland winter carnival. "We'll see what he does first and then make some decisions. We're mindful he's had a big trip; he flew to Sydney and then floated to Brisbane with no direct flights, but he does seem to have handled it." At home, Lady Iris (NZ), by U S Navy Flag, and Mazino (NZ), by Hello Youmzain, will square off in what shapes as a compelling domestic feature. Marsh has a strong hand across both sides of the Tasman, hoping to capitalise on recent form and careful placement.