Splash Back makes a tardy entrance to Sydney’s Autumn Carnival, with the $300,000 Sapphire Stakes forming a crucial element of her preparation.
Trained by Grahame Begg, the mare hasn’t competed since fading in the Empire Rose Stakes on Derby Day, now starting a campaign for Brisbane’s Group 1 prizes in this weekend’s 1200m Randwick race.
Begg, formerly a long-time Randwick trainer for over 20 years before heading to Victoria a decade ago, contemplated the Group 1 Sangster Stakes (1200m) in Adelaide soon, but views this Group 2 as more appropriate for her opener.
“I was thinking about possibly going to the Sangster, because she does race well fresh, but I thought that might be too much to ask her first-up,” Begg said.
“So, I thought we’ll take her to Sydney and run her in this race – (it’s at) Randwick, a big track and she can be ridden where she’s comfortable and be getting home at the finish.”
The French-bred progeny of Le Havre boasts three Pakenham trials pre-return: fourth at 800m March 3, followed by 1000m wins March 17 and 31.
“She did extremely well and I was having trouble getting the weight off her, but she’s had a couple of very nice jumpouts,” Begg said.
“I’m very happy with her and the way she’s prepped up for the race.
You’d think in that grade they might be a bit sharp for her, but she’ll be getting home well at the finish, I can assure you.”
She’s A Hustler joins Splash Back as another Begg runner eyeing Queensland, set to challenge Pride Of Jenni, Lady Shenandoah and Treasurethe Moment in the $1 million Queen Of The Turf Stakes at Randwick.
Post her Group 2 Zipping Classic (2400m) win at Caulfield November 29, this 1600m Group 1 acts as a bridge to the Hollindale Stakes, Doomben Cup and Q22.
“We’re under no illusions, it’s not going to be easy for her first-up, but she’s going very well,” Begg said.
Barrier six is She’s A Hustler’s draw in the 14-horse Saturday showdown, ridden by Jordan Childs who retains the mount on Splash Back from post two.
Visit betting sites to view racing odds for the Sapphire Stakes.