Stakes races kick-off for talented Samangu
Promising mare Samangu returns to racing on Saturday, and trainer Grahame Begg is already eyeing Stakes company later in the summer.
Samangu resumes in the Sportsbet More Places Handicap (1000m) at Caulfield Heath, her first start since her March victory at the same track.
The mare has won five of seven and is being aimed toward the W J Adams Stakes and possibly the Oakleigh Plate.
A setback during the spring forced Begg to reset her preparation, but the bigger challenge was finding a suitable race before the end of December.
“We got them to change the rating of the race as there was no race for her to run in during the whole month of December,” Begg said.
“She’s ready to run now but then she has to wait another five weeks for the Adams … so we said why not make it a benchmark 90 and get a wider spread.”
Samangu carries 60.5kg on Saturday, dropping to 58.5kg after Logan Bates’ claim.
The mare has had two Caulfield Heath trials, including a fourth behind Beast Mode on December 11.
“It’s a kick off point for her,” Begg said.
“The 1000 metres may be a tad short first-up … she’s probably going to improve with the run as she’s a big girl, but very talented.
“We’re hopefully going to get to the Oakleigh Plate with her.”
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