Passive Aggressive thriving ahead of The Galaxy
Grahame Begg would prefer The Galaxy was run seven days later, but the Cranbourne trainer could not be happier with Passive Aggressive’s condition ahead of the $1 million sprint.
The comeback sprinter will chase a maiden Group 1 win in Saturday’s 1100-metre handicap at Rosehill.
The daughter of Fastnet Rock heads in a last-start winner after a second-straight win in the Group 2 Challenge Stakes on March 9, with an ill-fated trip to the breeding barn sandwiched between those two victories.
The Challenge Stakes was Passive Aggressive’s first start back and Begg is thrilled with the way she has come through it.
“She looks in outstanding order and we’re very, very pleased with her,” Begg said.
“We’d probably prefer three weeks between runs, but unfortunately there are not many Group 1s around that distance range, so she’s virtually had to go to it.
“But she’s trained on really well. She did a bit of work at Randwick (on Tuesday) that gave us the indication she’s ready to go.”
Passive Aggressive, who has 54kg, drew barrier nine but will come into eight after three early scratchings, one of which was Queen Of The Ball, who drew three.
The Galaxy will be run as race nine on the Rosehill, followed by the $250,000 Group 3 Birthday Card Stakes (1200m), in which Begg has C’Est Magique engaged.
The daughter of Zoustar, who is a half-sister to Begg’s former star two-year-old Written By, has been entered for the Chairman’s Sale later in the year and heads off Group 3 minor placings in the Triscay Stakes (1200m) and Wenona Girl Stakes (1200m).
“It’s good to see that she’s not far off winning a race,” Begg said.
“She’s trained on beautifully, she’s tightened up, so we expect a good showing.
“This will be the first time she’s been on a track that’s had a bit of give in it – we felt it was pretty firm last start, the time would say that – and having a track with a bit more cushion in it will be good for her.”
C’est Magique has drawn barrier 10 in the field of 17 with Tim Clark to take the reins.
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