Sydney autumn campaign starts at Sandown in 2025 Christmas Stakes

A measured return at Sandown will kick-start what Grahame Begg hopes becomes a Group 1 autumn campaign for Cilacap.

The mare resumes in the Listed Christmas Stakes (1200m) on Friday before heading to Sydney for a carefully plotted carnival preparation.

Begg has highlighted the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) and the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) as her major autumn goals.

The Group 2 Millie Fox Stakes (1300m) is expected to be the first Sydney assignment.

Cilacap has not been seen since her April run in the Group 3 Easter Cup (2000m) at Caulfield, after which she underwent surgery to remove a bone chip.

“She had arthroscopic surgery to remove that chip, that’s why she missed the spring,” Begg said.

“She’s had a long, slow, steady build-up. She’s been in work for a long time, along with a bit of equestrian, a bit of beach work, but she’s in great order and very sound.

“I wasn’t going to run her, but I thought, no get her to a level of fitness, and then back-off.

“If you can get that one run into them after a long lay-off, it then sets you up for later on, so after Friday we will back off her, and she can head to Sydney for the autumn races.

“She loves a bit of give in the ground.”

Originally prepared by Kris Lees, Cilacap joined Begg before debuting and has quickly built an impressive résumé.

From seven career starts she has won four races, including the Group 3 Alexandra Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley.

An Adelaide trip, including the Australasian Oaks (2000m), was once considered, but Begg now feels her sweet spot lies between 1500m and 1600m.

Logan Bates, who has partnered the mare in both a jump-out and a trial, retains the ride on Friday.

Betting markets for the Christmas Stakes are available through the Australian betting sites list.