Trainer Danny O’Brien plans to avoid a Sydney trip for Sass Appeal following her latest triumph at Flemington, marking three consecutive successes.
Sass Appeal secured the Group 2 Kewney Stakes (1600m) on Saturday, thanks to a masterly steer from Jordan Childs.
Childs positioned Sass Appeal to move up from the outside barrier and follow the pacesetter Pillow Fight before challenging that rival with 300m remaining.
Seizing control 200m out, the $2.35 market elector Sass Appeal powered to a 2-¾ length victory over Pillow Fight ($14), while Salty Pearl ($2.60) finished 1-¾ lengths behind in third position.
The previous year’s Kewney victor Treasurethe Moment travelled to Sydney for successes in the Vinery Stud Stakes and the Australian Oaks, then returned during the spring to take the Memsie Stakes at Caulfield.
During her initial campaign, Sass Appeal has claimed her last four outings, and O’Brien intends to spell the filly to focus on spring targets.
“Often with the three-year-old fillies you want to make hay while the sun shines against their own age, and sex, and make the best of what you’ve got before they turn four,” O’Brien said.
“But I think this horse will measure up to the older horses. With that in mind, she’s had a five start prep and I’m keen to give her a break and see her back here in the spring.”
O’Brien mentioned that the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington in Melbourne Cup week looks promising.
“The handicap races like the Sir Rupert Clarke and the Toorak Handicap are good options for her on the way through as well,” he said.
O’Brien noted Sass Appeal’s racing style poses challenges for rivals, as she remains unbeaten when taking the lead.
“She makes it look easy when she’s got that tactical speed early and you get that good position in running,” O’Brien said.
“It’s a lot easier to watch than horses back in the field.
“Once they took positions today and I looked wherever everything else was, there hasn’t been a horse come from behind her and finish in front of her.
“The only horse she ultimately had to get past was the leader, and she did that and put a space on them.”
Explore the Australian betting sites for top racing odds ahead of Sass Appeal’s spring campaign.