TESTA Rossa mare Ortensia will carry the hopes and money of the nation when she chases more global success in the Group 1 King’s Stand Stakes (11000m) at Royal Ascot next Tuesday.
The Paul Messara trained mare has been installed as the $4 fav to take out the feature sprint and give connections a third Group 1 victory.
Ortensia remains unbeaten in her only three appearances for Scone trainer Paul Messara, the last two of those at Group 1 level in the WATC Winterbottom Stakes in Perth and that famous Al Quoz triumph in Dubai on World Cup night.
Ortensia is the best of 41 stakeswinners sired by Testa Rossa and has so far earned over $2 million.