Chris Waller looks set to pin his hopes on promising filly Summer Flame in the Denise’s Joy Stakes at Scone this Saturday, with topweight Amelita unlikely to run after drawing wide and being allocated 59kg.
“She’s got a big weight and a wide draw, two negatives,” Waller explained, confirming Brisbane was now the more likely destination for Amelita next week.
In contrast, Summer Flame is locked in to start and will be making her NSW debut after showing city-grade promise in Melbourne earlier this year. The Written Tycoon filly, owned by Rosemont Stud, broke her maiden at Mornington before placing twice at metropolitan level.
“She did enough last prep to suggest that we’d bring her up for a race like this with a light weight, and a good draw (barrier three) is a positive as well,” Waller said.
“It hasn’t been a long-term target but obviously any horse you can get black type for for a stud is important.”
Summer Flame is rated a $26 outsider for the Denise’s Joy, with Victorian Soft Love heading the market at $3.30. Gerringong ($6) and Thames ($6.50) are also prominent in betting.
The Denise’s Joy Stakes has been a stronghold for Godolphin, with Commemorative, Red Card and Zapateo taking out the past three editions.
For punters interested in the race, visit our guide to the best options on Australian betting sites.