The VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes offers the juveniles their first genuine test at extending their stamina.
Victorian racing’s marquee two-year-old contest, the Blue Diamond Stakes, concluded last month, redirecting the sprint-oriented youngsters toward Sydney’s Golden Slipper.
From the outset of her preparation, Robbie Griffiths earmarked the Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on Saturday for his filly Almost An Angel.
Her debut success came over 1000m at Caulfield Heath, but the trainer has maintained that Saturday’s 1400m would prove perfect for her.
Intending a third-up run in the target race, Griffiths saw Almost An Angel diverted to the Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on February 21 due to campaign dynamics.
“She’s a So You Think and she surprised us on debut winning over the 1000 metres, as well as being a juvenile with enough speed to be competitive in the sprints,” Griffiths said.
“We ran her in the Prelude, and she was super and ran fifth and then in the Diamond, it didn’t work, they went too steady up front and sprinted and she couldn’t match it.
“Going to the 1400 metres and being by So You Think, you would imagine it should be a nice race for her.
“It has always been a target, it was how we got there, whether it was a soft option going to it. We didn’t, we took the biggest option, which just didn’t suit, but the distance here will.”
In 2019, La Tene under James Cummings became the last filly to win the Sires’ Produce Stakes, preceded by Jameka in 2015.
Griffiths pointed out the emphasis on speed in all prior races for Almost An Angel, though many such horses head north to the Slipper.
“The different race structure, differently run, better journey, it gives her a chance to get into the race without having it over and done in a split second,” Griffiths said.
“We always intended to target this race third-up, so I’ve always felt she has had enough fuel left, but we’ll wait and see how she goes on Saturday whether we then go to Sydney.”
For the VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes, punters should review racing betting markets available now.