New Zealand filly Yoha took longer than expected to arrive at Louth Park because of the coronavirus crisis but Mitch Chapple feels like it was worth the wait.
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The trainer rates Yoha, which landed in Australia around two months ago, as one of the best he has prepared.
"[Stablemate and Gold Tiara heat winner] La Cabeza Gem is probably the best horse I've ever put a bridle on and this one isn't far behind. She's a nice filly," Chapple said.
Around the time of purchase in March, COVID-19 restrictions saw flights cancelled out of Christchurch. Yoha was then transported to Auckland only to meet more delays with further travel bans imposed. This meant time in a spelling paddock.
Chapple described Yoha's first-up run at Tamworth on June 14 as "disastrous" but was "satisfied" with how she rebounded in a recent trial and winning a 2030 metre event at Newcastle last week.
Yoha returns to Newcastle International Paceway on Friday in the second last of an eight-race meeting. Action from 5:07pm.
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