Robbie Griffiths along with connections pondered extensively before selecting an Adelaide Stakes race to obtain key ‘Black Type’ for Almost An Angel.
The filly, aged two, was removed from the Group 3 Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes (1200m) at Flemington, preferring the Listed Dequetteville Stakes (1050m) over at Morphettville on Saturday.
She broke her maiden at Caulfield Heath in November, then fifth in Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) at Caulfield, prior to 11th placing in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) on February 21 to winner Streisand.
Almost An Angel had been set for Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Flemington March 7, but wide draw and eye infection caused withdrawal.
According to Griffiths, he favored trialing Almost An Angel on Flemington’s straight Saturday but recognized Morphettville as superior for her ‘Black Type’ quest.
“We’re keen to get ‘Black Type’ because she’s got the talent and deserves to have it,” Griffiths said.
“She ran fifth in the (Blue Diamond) Prelude and if she runs fourth, she gets the big black writing next to her name.
“Damian Lane was pretty happy with her that day and said we should have a throw at the stumps in the big one and she drew poorly and got into a bad spot, so it was a forgive run.
“She was in the Sires’ but she drew wide and had a bit of an eye infection, so we decided to miss that and switch our attention to one these races.
“We sent her down the beach, she’s done some steady work, and here we are.”
There are benefits and downsides to both Saturday fixtures, Griffiths pointed out.
“She’s never been down the straight, so that was a negative, but the 1200 metres would suit,” Griffiths said.
“But in saying that she’s won at 1000 (metres) at Caulfield Heath and she was terrific at 1100 (metres) at Caulfield, so you would think 1050 metres on a big track at Morphettville would be good.
“There is the travel over to Adelaide, but Morphettville is the better option, so we’ll head over and give it a shot.”
On Saturday, Luke Currie rides Almost An Angel.
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