Cambridge trainer Lauren Brennan will be trying to keep her nerves under control when she saddles up Kiwi bred blueblood Asscher at Pukekohe on Saturday.

Asscher (2f Stravinsky – Marquise by Gold And Ivory) is a half sister to Group 1 winner Shower of Roses (NZ) and she will start in the LR Murdoch Newell Stakes (1100m) on debut.  Her rivals include impressive last-start winners Bounding (Lonhro) and Ruud Awakening (Bernardini).

A $675,000 purchase at the 2012 NZB Karaka yearling sale, she is raced by Bronte Bloodstock owner Scott Springett.   “It is a big ask to try stakes company at your first go but we were really pleased with her Te Aroha trial in October and she has worked brilliantly since then,” Brennan said.  “I’m throwing her in at the deep end against some pretty smart ones but I don’t think she will be out of her depth.”

Leading rider Mark Du Plessis has the mount and is no stranger to success in the race with a debutant as he rode the ill-fated Lion Tamer (Storming Home) to victory in 2009.