Missile Stakes a starting point for I Am Me

I Am Me is likely to have an exclusive Sydney spring campaign which is set to kick-off in the Missile Stakes at Rosehill.

The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained five-year-old is also an entrant in the Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on Saturday.

However, Eustace said the Group 2 race over 1200m at Rosehill on Saturday was the preferred option for the mare.

I Am Me has won seven of her 13 starts and is undefeated in two appearances at Rosehill.

She ran a course record when successful in landing her first Stakes win on New Year’s Day, taking out the Listed Canterbury Stakes (1200m) before she was sent south for a tilt at Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Sandown in February.

I Am Me acquitted herself well, finishing seventh to Uncommon James, beaten just over two lengths.

Put away after that run, I Am Me has had two barrier trials to prepare her for Saturday’s return, winning on both occasions at Warwick Farm and Rosehill.

“She’s going well,” Eustace said.

“She’s had two trials, they’ve been excellent, so we’re happy with how she’s coming along.”

Saturday’s race has attracted a strong nomination with impressive recent trial winner Big Parade entered, along with Godolphin pair Golden Mile and Ingratiating.

An early win may spark some interest from a point-of-view of The Everest (1200m) at Randwick in October, although that is the furthest thing from Eustace’s mind at present.

“We would like to think that she will contest races and run well enough in them to maybe earn some discussion for The Everest,” Eustace said.

“But I don’t know if anyone has considered her for a slot just yet, so we’ll see what happens in the next eight weeks, I suppose.”

Stablemate Chassis is also entered in the Missile and Aurie’s Star along with a 1400m benchmark 100 handicap at Flemington.

“We’ll weigh it all up and make a decision at closer to acceptance time,” Eustace said.