Aviatress has been a consistent presence in Melbourne’s sprint ranks throughout the summer and will again be given the chance to add to her record when she steps back into mares’ grade at Caulfield.
The South Australian-trained mare, prepared by Richard and Chantelle Jolly, is expected to be freshened following her run in Saturday’s Group 3 Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes (1200m).
After beginning her campaign in Adelaide back in September, Aviatress relocated to Flemington in early November and has since had four starts in Melbourne for the Jolly stable.
Her preparation included a strong victory in the Listed Doveton Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on November 29, followed by a third placing in the Listed Christmas Stakes (1200m) at Sandown on Boxing Day before finishing fourth in the Group 3 Standish Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on January 10.
Those efforts came against open company, while Saturday’s assignment sees Aviatress return to mares’ grade and carry less weight than she did under set-weights and penalties.
Richard Jolly admitted the stable had hoped for a little more last time out but noted the form has since been franked.
“Last start we were a little disappointed with the run she had and was a bit soft late,” Jolly said.
“But she ran fourth, not that far away, and if you look at Hedged, he looked to go pretty ordinary and he came out and won that race at Pakenham the other day, so that makes you feel a bit better about the run.”
Jolly is also hopeful the weather may play in Aviatress’ favour, with some chance of rain forecast ahead of Saturday’s meeting.
The mare won on a Soft 6 surface three runs ago, while her most recent outing was on a Good 3 track at Flemington.
“We’ve been getting Good 3’s at the moment and the track was pretty firm at Flemington the other day,” Jolly said.
“We just feel she’s a bit better if there’s a bit of sting out rather than the firm track she copped the other day.
“She’s stayed in our Flemington stable the whole way through as otherwise we would have been going backwards and forwards a bit.
“It makes it easier and the horses can settle in there.
“Flemington has certainly been an advantage for the better horses that we’ve got.”
Harry Coffey will take the ride on Aviatress for the first time on Saturday with Mark Zahra sidelined, while Craig Williams – who partnered her to victory at Caulfield – will instead ride Damask Rose.
The post Mares’ company to suit Aviatress first appeared on Just Horse Racing.
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