Splash Back arrives late for Sydney’s Autumn Carnival, yet the $300,000 Sapphire Stakes holds a key role in her build-up.
The mare under Grahame Begg’s guidance, absent from racing since a poor showing in the Empire Rose Stakes on Derby Day, kicks off a preparation targeting Group 1 races in Brisbane via this Saturday’s 1200-metre contest at Randwick.
Begg, with over two decades training at Randwick prior to shifting to Victoria about ten years back, pondered entering Splash Back in the Group 1 Sangster Stakes (1200m) in Adelaide this month, though he believes the upcoming Group 2 suits the campaign better.
“I was thinking about possibly going to the Sangster, because she does race well fresh, but I thought that might be too much to ask her first-up,” Begg said.
“So, I thought we’ll take her to Sydney and run her in this race – (it’s at) Randwick, a big track and she can be ridden where she’s comfortable and be getting home at the finish.”
The Le Havre-sired French import has completed three trials at Pakenham ahead of her comeback, securing a fourth over 800m on March 3 before victories in 1000m sessions on March 17 and 31.
“She did extremely well and I was having trouble getting the weight off her, but she’s had a couple of very nice jumpouts,” Begg said.
“I’m very happy with her and the way she’s prepped up for the race.
You’d think in that grade they might be a bit sharp for her, but she’ll be getting home well at the finish, I can assure you.”
Begg’s stable features another Queensland-aspirant resuming at Randwick in Splash Back, as She’s A Hustler faces rivals including Pride Of Jenni, Lady Shenandoah and Treasurethe Moment in the $1 million Queen Of The Turf Stakes.
This 1600m Group 1 marks her initial outing post her Group 2 Zipping Classic (2400m) triumph at Caulfield on November 29, serving as a solid lead-in for the Hollindale Stakes, Doomben Cup and Q22.
“We’re under no illusions, it’s not going to be easy for her first-up, but she’s going very well,” Begg said.
She’s A Hustler secured barrier six in the 14-horse Saturday feature, where Jordan Childs will steer her and also Splash Back from gate two.
Check out the Australian betting sites for the latest Sapphire Stakes markets.