Conditions at Randwick are poised to influence Ciaron Maher’s final selections for the Sweet Embrace Stakes, especially with Ciaron’s Star, winner of the Pierro Plate, potentially sidelined by excessive rain.
Spicy Miss, however, is a sure starter in the crucial Golden Slipper pathfinder, as explained by Maher deputy Johann Gerard-Dubord, who said the stable is tracking forecasts diligently for Ciaron’s Star.
“We have the option to either go two weeks (into Saturday), and three weeks into the Slipper, or wait an extra week, which will give her three weeks from last start and two weeks into the Slipper,” Gerard-Dubord said.
“She is by I Am Invincible. Usually, they don’t tend to like those wet tracks.
“We’ve got a very open mind. If there was a bit of give, there would be no issue, but if the track was too wet, we’d be waiting an extra week.”
Conditions won’t deter Spicy Miss, who has only known firm footing in her two races to date.
Runner-up in her debut Golden Gift, she then chased Agrarian Girl home in the Lonhro Plate at 1000 metres. Gerard-Dubord is confident the 1200-metre test of the Sweet Embrace Stakes on Saturday suits the filly perfectly.
Her earnings place her fifth for Golden Slipper entry, bolstering the stable’s strategy toward the juvenile prize.
“After the Gift, we knew we were a good chance to qualify for the Slipper, so working back from the Slipper, we have left plenty of improvement to come,” Gerard-Dubord said.
“We’ve still got more to come, but three weeks between runs and stepping up to 1200 will suit her, and a bit of rain around wouldn’t bother her.
“Obviously, we’d love to get a win on the board, and if she did that or ran very well, we’d progress to the Slipper.”
In opening markets, Pembrey from Queensland is favourite for the Sweet Embrace Stakes at 1200m, alongside strong claims from Spicy Miss and Ciaron’s Star.
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