The track conditions at Randwick will be pivotal in finalising Ciaron Maher’s runners for the Sweet Embrace Stakes, as Pierro Plate victor Ciaron’s Star faces uncertainty if rain impacts the surface heavily.
Spicy Miss is confirmed to run in the vital Golden Slipper prelude, while Maher’s assistant trainer Johann Gerard-Dubord noted that the team is watching the weather closely prior to deciding on Ciaron’s Star.
“We have the option to either go two weeks (into Saturday), and three weeks into the Slipper, or wait an extra week, which will give her three weeks from last start and two weeks into the Slipper,” Gerard-Dubord said.
“She is by I Am Invincible. Usually, they don’t tend to like those wet tracks.
“We’ve got a very open mind. If there was a bit of give, there would be no issue, but if the track was too wet, we’d be waiting an extra week.”
By contrast, Spicy Miss is committed to the race no matter the going, even though her pair of previous outings have been solely on good tracks.
The filly was second in the Golden Gift on debut and then performed creditably when trailing Agrarian Girl in the Lonhro Plate at 1000 metres. Gerard-Dubord feels the step up to 1200 metres on Saturday in the Sweet Embrace Stakes is ideal for her.
Placed fifth on the Golden Slipper Order of Entry, Spicy Miss has secured sufficient earnings to allow the stable to take a careful approach to the juvenile highlight.
“After the Gift, we knew we were a good chance to qualify for the Slipper, so working back from the Slipper, we have left plenty of improvement to come,” Gerard-Dubord said.
“We’ve still got more to come, but three weeks between runs and stepping up to 1200 will suit her, and a bit of rain around wouldn’t bother her.
“Obviously, we’d love to get a win on the board, and if she did that or ran very well, we’d progress to the Slipper.”
Queensland-based filly Pembrey leads the early wagering for the Sweet Embrace Stakes over 1200m, followed closely by Spicy Miss and Ciaron’s Star among the top fancies.
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