The VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes marks the initial occasion for the young colts and fillies to compete over a proper distance.
Following Victoria’s premier event, the Blue Diamond Stakes, which took place and was decided last month, the quick juvenile sprinters are now aimed at the Golden Slipper in Sydney.
However, trainer Robbie Griffiths has targeted the Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Flemington this Saturday for Almost An Angel ever since she began her initial preparation.
Although she triumphed over 1000m at Caulfield Heath on debut, Griffiths has long believed the 1400m distance of this weekend’s contest suits her perfectly.
Griffiths originally intended to have Almost An Angel race third-up in Saturday’s feature, but her path led her to the Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on February 21 instead.
“She’s a So You Think and she surprised us on debut winning over the 1000 metres, as well as being a juvenile with enough speed to be competitive in the sprints,” Griffiths said.
“We ran her in the Prelude, and she was super and ran fifth and then in the Diamond, it didn’t work, they went too steady up front and sprinted and she couldn’t match it.
“Going to the 1400 metres and being by So You Think, you would imagine it should be a nice race for her.
“It has always been a target, it was how we got there, whether it was a soft option going to it. We didn’t, we took the biggest option, which just didn’t suit, but the distance here will.”
The most recent filly to claim victory in the Sires’ Produce Stakes was La Tene, prepared by James Cummings, back in 2019, with Jameka achieving the feat prior in 2015.
Griffiths noted that every start Almost An Angel has made thus far emphasized pace, yet most of those speedy rivals are headed to Sydney for the Slipper.
“The different race structure, differently run, better journey, it gives her a chance to get into the race without having it over and done in a split second,” Griffiths said.
“We always intended to target this race third-up, so I’ve always felt she has had enough fuel left, but we’ll wait and see how she goes on Saturday whether we then go to Sydney.”
Explore the latest Australian betting sites for top odds on the VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes this weekend.