Trainer Grahame Begg is heading to Adelaide with his talented mare Niance, a move that might pave the way for the sprinter’s series in Brisbane.

Lacking appropriate short-distance races for Niance at Flemington this Saturday, Begg opts for the Group 3 John Hawkes Stakes (1100m) at Morphettville.

Coincidentally, the shortest event on Flemington’s Anzac Day program stretches to 1400m.

Begg mentioned that Niance is prepared to commence over 1100m following just two outings last spring.

Actually, Niance competed in only three races during 2025, with her last appearance a third placing behind Giga Kick and Tropicus in the Schillaci Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield in October.

“She had a little joint issue in the spring, so we had to back off her and give her time so it would all settle down,” Begg said.

“She’s had a couple of jump-outs, so she’ll go over there and I think she’s ready for the 1100 metres.

“The Sangster is on the same day and it’s a bit hard running them in a Group 1 over 1200 metres first-up.

“That would be a bit of an ask for her.”

Begg noted that Niance, successful in seven of her 13 appearances, will head back to her Cranbourne base post-race, after which plans for the mare’s path forward will be determined.

Begg leans towards a journey to Brisbane in the north, though he hasn’t dismissed another visit to Adelaide for the Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville on May 9.

“The Goodwood is there, I guess, and we can always look at that, but it’s very hard making two trips with them within a couple of weeks,” Begg said.

“There’s a whole heap of races up in Brisbane that she could run in.

“We can get her up there, settle her in and have a look as there is virtually a race every week for her.”

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