Trainer Clinton McDonald is hoping blinkers can ignite Vestas when she lines up from barrier two in Saturday’s Listed Doveton Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield.

After watching her work on Tuesday, McDonald joked about wanting a wide draw, knowing the temperamental mare prefers galloping room.

Her last run over 1200m left the trainer disappointed.
“The other day I didn’t think she tried one yard,” McDonald said. “She’s a temperamental mare… she needs everything perfect.”

Blinkers were added in trackwork to sharpen her attitude, and McDonald said her work was encouraging, though race day will tell the story.

Despite only one win from eight starts, Vestas has shown stakes-level talent, finishing second in the Group 3 Red Roses Stakes during the 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival.

McDonald concedes her racing pattern makes consistency difficult but believes her ability remains.
“She’s a very good mare on her day… maybe it’s now time to put the blinkers on and see if that makes a difference,” he said.