Tales of Fashion is likely to miss the rest of the winter carnival and concentrate on the Melbourne spring despite her upset stakes win at Doomben.
With Blake Shinn aboard in Saturday’s Listed Lancaster Stakes (1200m), Tales of Fashion ($18) scored by a half head to Freezethemillions ($15) with another short head to Elitist ($31).
Trainer Trevor Bailey said it was unlikely that Tales of Fashion would continue this winter.
“We picked this race for her because we were looking for black type,” Bailey said.
“She has it now and she hasn’t been entered for any of the big races this winter.”
“But I do have a big opinion of her and she should have been unbeaten in all of her starts. The Melbourne spring is really the carnival in our mind but we will now have to have a bit of a think.”
Bailey has been back on the Gold Coast for about eight months after stints in Singapore and NSW.
“I am slowly building up my team and I have a lot of young horses,” he said.
Earlier, another two-year-old, Pinch River, took another step towards fulfilling a big predication by his trainer Robert Heathcote.
Pinch River ($6.50) led all of the way to win the Listed Dalrello Stakes (1200m) at his first start since finishing 13th to Unencumbered in the Magic Millions Classic in January.
Heathcote believes Pinch River is not far inferior to his star Group One galloper Buffering at the same stage of their careers.
“I know it is a big statement but I have always liked this horse,” Heathcote said.
“He had a niggling problem before the Magic Millions and then he was ridden to lead when I didn’t want him to be.
“We have thrown in a nomination for the BRC Sires next week and I know it is a step up but we will probably have a go.”
The Group Two Sires’ Produce Stakes will be run over 1350m at Doomben this year instead of the usual 1400m at Eagle Farm which Heathcote believes will suit Pinch River.
The gelding showed pace to get to the front from the outside alley and was never in danger, cruising home with 2-1/4 lengths to spare over Thief Of Hearts ($15).
