A triumph by Just Kick in Adelaide would suit Emma-Lee and David Browne ideally, given a major thoroughbred sale on the horizon.
The filly pursues her first career win in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) set for Morphettville this Saturday.
With zero wins from eight starts, Just Kick has nevertheless collected four placings, among them a Stakes effort—ironically on Anzac Day last year in start two, ending third in a Listed race run at 1400m at Flemington.
Emma-Lee Browne expressed frustration over Just Kick’s lack of a maiden victory so far, though the team is positive about entering a Group 1 event.
This time in, Just Kick ran fourth to Getta Good Feeling in the Group 3 Alexandra Stakes (1600m) at Caulfield March 21, then claimed third behind Savitri over 1700m at Caulfield April 4.
“She’s been a very unlucky maiden,” Browne said.
“I thought her run last time was super, but she just doesn’t corner that well at Caulfield.
“She’s always lost a couple of lengths on that turn, but we thought she hit the line really well and that gives us the confidence to go up in distance.”
Ideas of running in the VRC Oaks (2500m) at Flemington last spring were shelved by the Brownes, who felt she wasn’t ready for the journey.
“We ran out of time to get her to the Oaks in the spring, and she probably just wasn’t strong enough at that point,” Browne said.
“She had done everything quite nicely and was hitting the line quite well, but we just thought an autumn Oaks would be a better aim for her.”
Down the track, the Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) in June at Eagle Farm could be considered.
Just Kick is also nominated for the Inglis Chairman’s Sale on May 7.
“We could come back for the filly’s race here over 2500 metres or we could freshen for the Queensland Oaks and head north, but she’s also entered in the Chairman’s Sale as she’s quite lovely bred,” Browne said.
“She’s got some Black Type, and it would be lovely if she could get a big one on her record and if she could win on Saturday, I think that could make the trip to the Chairman’s Sale quite worth it.”
Harry Coffey takes the mount on Just Kick for the debut partnership on Saturday.
Head to the racing betting markets for Australasian Oaks options at leading sites.
