Augment can pass Belgravia Stakes test at Ascot says Pat Carbery

Jockey Pat Carbery is no stranger to Belgravia Stakes (1200m) success and wants to carry that momentum into Saturday’s Listed contest at Ascot.

Pat Carbery won last year’s Belgravia Stakes with classy mare Amelia’s Jewel and before that rode Miss Solis (2013) and Megatic (2008) to respective wins.

The pressure for Carbery to secure his fourth Belgravia Stakes and third with trainer, Simon Miller, rests with talented Exceed and Excel filly, Augment.

The three-year-old scored handsomely on debut in March and ended her maiden campaign finishing third in the Group 3 Gimcrack Stakes (1100m).

After a first-up third last month, Augment bounced back to the winner’s list in style when she kicked clear in the straight to score by 1 ½ lengths.

Along with Petula, Brave Strike and Eliteone, Augment is one of four Belgravia contenders for Miller and jumps from barrier four for Carbery.

Carbery is conscious Augment faces a stern test against quality opposition in the Belgravia Stakes, but he’s confident she can measure up to the class.

“It (Augment) was very good other day and held them strong,” Carbery told The Races WA.

“It’s a big step up in class a bit she treated the older horses with contempt the other day.

“She seems to have done well and improved since then.

“Her work was good on Tuesday and I reckon she should give a good account of herself.

“Form through the Gimcrack is strong and I couldn’t see why she wouldn’t be amongst it.

“Hopefully she gets a good run and be in the firing line when I’m asking her.”

After she opened $6.50 with Tabtouch on Wednesday, Augment has tightened to $4.50 with Australian online bookmakers.

Ahead of her is favourite, Super Smink $3.30 and Almighty Class $3.60.

Ripcord, at $7, is the only other starter in single figures.

Carbery cautions punters to forgive Eeyore Wayz’s last race when unplaced and never a winning chance.

The seven-year-old worked strongly on Tuesday and Carbery expects improvement.

“His work on Tuesday was very good, I thought it was much better work than his previous work out.” Carbery said.

“He hasn’t won in a while, but if he takes his work to the races he’s got a chance.”