Taige Weir is still processing the fact that her stable now boasts a Stakes winner, but she remains focused and determined not to become complacent.
The young horsewoman based in Ballarat is aiming for her first Group victory this Saturday at Sandown.
Weir has the impressive recent Geelong maiden winner, Magna Sententia, entered for the $400,000 Group 2 Sandown Guineas (1600m).
This race is scheduled to be run just 11 days after Billycart delivered Weir her inaugural Flemington triumph in the Listed Batman Stakes on Melbourne Cup Day, an achievement she admits has required some adjustment.
“It’s been a very big week and I got carried away with the celebrations a little bit, but I’m dealing with that now and catching up on life,” Weir said with a laugh.
“It was just amazing. It’s been just over a week now, it’s just gone so quick and the support and the messages from everyone has been pretty cool. It’s very special.”
Weir certainly did not anticipate having the favourite for the Sandown Guineas in her stable last week, as the race was not even on her radar until the ease with which Magna Sententia won at Geelong.
Her original plan was to have Magna Sententia qualify for the $250,000 Emerging Stars Final at Ballarat on December 5, but the gelding’s dominant 5-3/4 length victory prompted a change of plans.
“We had him set for that race because we wanted to qualify him for the race on Ballarat Cup Day, that was the whole idea of it,” she said.
“But I wasn’t expecting that. He hit the front and I thought he was going to win, everything else was off the bridle trying to chase us, but I didn’t think we’d win by that much.
“I originally just put a (Guineas) nom in thinking we wouldn’t run, then I just the progressive acceptances and, while it’s still strong, it doesn’t look as strong as previous years, and I thought we better just have a crack.”
Magna Sententia secured his Geelong victory over 1318m, with his two prior starts being over 1200m. Saturday’s race represents a significant step up in distance. However, Weir is confident the 1600m will suit the gelding, with her partner and jockey Will Gordon assuring her that the trip is not an issue, despite Magna Sententia being by Written By.
The dam of Magna Sententia is Lake Sententia, a mare by California Dane, who also produced Darkbonee, a runner in the 2400m Group 2 Zipping Classic later on the Sandown card.
“Will, my partner, said last preparation, ‘this horse will be a really good miler’,” Weir stated.
“I’ve always had that in my back of my head and the data at home suggests that where his sweet spot is, so I don’t think that’s going to be an issue.”
Dean Yendall, who partnered Billycart to her Flemington success and rode Magna Sententia at Geelong, will again take the reins on Saturday. Magna Sententia is currently leading the Guineas betting at $4.20.
For those looking to back Magna Sententia, consider exploring the extensive racing odds available at Australian betting sites.
