Matt Laurie, the trainer, was presented with a significant call early autumn: send Treasurethe Moment into the Doncaster Mile or delay by a week for the Queen Of The Turf Stakes.
The display of top filly Sheza Alibi dismantling her Doncaster competition last week has validated his choice to sidestep Randwick’s prestigious mile.
“It was going to be the Doncaster or this race, one or the other,” Laurie said.
“We felt this was a better race to target, particularly with the likes of Sheza Alibi, who before we made our mind up looked like something special, and she clearly confirmed that in the Doncaster.
“I think we made the right choice in avoiding her.
“We’ve still got a task, but she has been an amazing horse for us and we’re returning to Sydney, she’s unbeaten there, so hopefully it will stay that way.”
Treasurethe Moment, with 11 victories in 18 appearances, serves as prime evidence of Laurie’s training excellence.
She was virtually untouchable as a three-year-old and followed up with elite form in spring, toppling Mr Brightside in the Memsie Stakes (1400m) while placing close to Via Sistina and Buckaroo in the Cox Plate (2040m).
Laurie’s approach this time has involved a restrained preparation, bringing her to the Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) on Saturday third-up after excelling in the Sunline Stakes (1600m).
Pride Of Jenni, the speedy Australian Cup runner-up, should guarantee a solid pace over the mile, allowing Laurie to fancy Treasurethe Moment’s toughness in a race that could test the mettle of key opponents.
“She’s gotten out to 2000 metres and beyond, she has won two Oaks, so she should be able to sustain a good amount of pressure,” Laurie said.
“Pride Of Jenni’s last start effort was outstanding and that big effort can be hard to replicate at times. We’ll be hoping she has already produced her best this prep and maybe she can be found out in this race.
“We’ve made a concerted effort to keep our girl to the mile and only give her a few runs and she’s going into the race in really good order.”
Treasurethe Moment landed in Sydney over the weekend, polishing her Queen Of The Turf Stakes readiness with quick work Wednesday morning.
Laurie notes ongoing positive assessments of her form, aided by a plum barrier three position.
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