Elderberry and Setosa were paddock mates as yearlings at Spendthrift Farm early in 2022 before heading off to their respective trainers to commence their racing careers. Tomorrow at Moe, they may get a chance to reacquaint themselves, with both acceptors in Race 1 for their connections.
Already on the radar of some racing enthusiasts is Elderberry, who made her debut in January in the Group 3 Blue Diamond Preview. Trained by Anthony & Sam Freedman, the filly has come along well in her second campaign following a break, showing positive signs in both of her jump outs.
Elderberry will be ridden by Ben Allen and jumps from barrier 5.
Lesser-known is the newcomer Setosa, who will step out at the races for the first time over the 1100m distance. A winner of both her preparatory trials at her home track of Pakenham, the 2yo daughter of Capitalist has been most impressive in her work to date and trainer Phillip Stokes has been most complimentary of how quickly she has come to hand this time in.
“She’s a lovely filly with plenty of strength and has got some real speed to her as well. I think she should go very well at Moe, she’s definitely ready to go to the races.”
Setosa will be ridden by Zac Spain, who also rode the filly in her trials and trackwork and has a good opinion of her. She will jump from barrier 1.
See the full field and all race details for both fillies here.
Best of luck to all connections. We’d love to see these mates crossing the line together at the head of the field.