We are now into the heart of spring racing and, while not contesting the Caulfield Cup this coming weekend, we will be well represented in the undercards across the Eastern states.
We start our Saturday race card with Vivy Air, who graduates to Group class racing following a first-up win at Seymour in mid September for Archie Alexander and connections. She will contest the Group 2 Thousand Guineas prelude, with the obvious future plan surrounding the Group 1 Thousand Guineas should she prove herself at the level.
“She’s come through her win really well. She had a tick-over trial at Terang the other week, which she won well, and galloped up the hill here at Ballarat on Tuesday. She won’t need to do much more before Saturday now, she looks great and is gleaming in her coat. She will head to Caulfield in great form” said trainer Archie Alexander during the week.
Jockey Declan Bates, who retains the ride for Saturday added: “She galloped really well and joined her training partner over the concluding stages while still being on the bridle. She’s feeling good.”
The 3yo daughter of Hellbent has had four career starts for two wins and can hopefully add some black-type to her name. The step up to Group 2 level won’t be easy, but trainer Archie Alexander heads into the race with a positive mindset.
See the full field and all race details here.
Heading up to Sydney, Baby Rider is set to contest the ‘Big Dance Wild Card’ at Randwick over 1600m.
“He’s drawn a good gate (barrier 4), but it is a tricky race on Saturday. Some of the favourites have drawn outside of him so hopefully we can make use of our barrier. He is definitely fit enough to run a good race.”, commented trainer Bjorn Baker to owners this morning.
The 6yo gelding returns to the races after a spell and two trials. He finished second in his latest trial over 1030m and has been working on well since.
The Group 2 winner from France has had just three starts in Australia to date, two of them being Country Cups as well as one run at Listed level. We hope he can show his talent again on the weekend and possibly join the already qualified Cepheus in the $5M feature on Melbourne Cup Day in Sydney.
See all race details and the full field for Saturday here.
In addition to the above, we also could have Cepheus and Celebrity’s Beau stepping out for us on Saturday in Australia. Best of luck to all connections involved in our runners!
