Making the journey from Perth to Sydney might seem challenging, but Alsephina arrived early Thursday morning in great condition after traveling through Victoria on her way.
Trainer Grant Williams has been successful with his horses traveling from Western Australia to eastern states features, and after a solid campaign last year with a win, two placings, and a fourth in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m), the six-year-old mare now competes in the Group 2 Guy Walter Stakes (1400m) at Randwick this Saturday.
“The trip away to Melbourne last spring really helped her,” Williams shared.
“I’m looking forward to seeing where we’re at on Saturday,” he added.
This Saturday will mark Alsephina’s first race in Sydney, though she has been working in the clockwise direction at Mornington this week.
“She galloped on Tuesday morning in the Sydney way and handled it all very well,” Williams said. “She changes legs when she needs and she’s so push-button.”
“Race day pressure might be different, but we think she’ll handle it with ease,” he continued.
“She’s staying at David Brideoake’s property, which she’s familiar with,” Williams added.
A quiet look around Randwick on Friday or Saturday morning is all Williams and his training partner Alana need to complete Alsephina’s preparation.
“I think that’s the smart thing to do,” Grant said.
“Her last campaign was fantastic, and I think she’s in a better spot now than she was leading into her first run at Flemington,” he concluded.
“We’ve got her more forward now, and she’s already had a trip away, which is a plus. I’m really excited about it,” Williams said.
If all goes well after Saturday, Alsephina will head toward the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill on March 15, where she is currently an $8 chance in the futures market.
The Doncaster Mile and Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes, both over 1600 meters, are also potential targets for the mare.
Alsephina will be partnered by Kerrin McEvoy this weekend and is currently the $4 second favourite with betting apps for the Guy Walter Stakes. Former Western Australian Amelia’s Jewel is the $2.30 favourite.
