Dom Sutton believes Classic Gem has shown sufficient promise during her initial preparation to justify targeting additional Black Type contests, yet the trainer from Flemington is adjusting expectations downward to secure her initial success.
The three-year-old daughter of Maurice is aiming to claim her first victory at her local track this Saturday.
Purchased for $170,000 as an Inglis Premier yearling and initially under the care of Wendy Kelly, Classic Gem was acquired by Sutton and his stable partners following her fourth position in last year’s Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m), and she has avoided finishing worse than fifth across her three outings this preparation.
She began with a runner-up effort in the Group 3 Alexandra Stakes (1600m), followed by fifth in the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m), then fourth in the Group 1 ATC Oaks (2400m).
Sutton remains pleased with his acquisition and anticipates greater satisfaction upon her recording a triumph.
“I think she’s already added value to what we paid for her,” Sutton said.
“Half the job is done, we just need her to go and win a race now.
“She’s multiple Stakes-placed, she’s run fourth in two Oaks and ran second in a Group 3 first-up for us down here.
“I think she can win a Listed race, but if she can win any race she’s going to be valuable as a broodmare.”
The trainer considered entering Classic Gem in the $300,000 Listed Andrew Ramsden (2800m) at Flemington this weekend, but chose instead to reduce the distance to the 2000m race restricted to three-year-olds on the same program.
Rated at 78, Classic Gem ranked as the second-top rated among 35 nominations for that race, trailing only Different Gravy on 80.
This Saturday’s contest marks her return since the ATC Oaks on April 11, with Sutton maintaining her condition via a second-placed 1100m jumpout at Werribee on May 1, and he identifies several advantages in the upcoming setup.
“We did have her in (last weekend) over in Adelaide but after the trip to Sydney, where she had the back-up into the Oaks up there, I think putting her on a truck and travelling her again probably wasn’t the right move,” Sutton said.
“So, we just kept her home. She’s had five weeks between runs, freshened up well and I like her at Flemington. I think Flemington is a lot better track for her than Morphettville.”
Explore the top Australian betting sites for the best odds on Classic Gem in her bid for a maiden win at Flemington this Saturday.
