Spicy Miss confirmed for Sweet Embrace Stakes as Ciaron's Star weighs weather
Rainfall prospects at Randwick could dictate the composition of Ciaron Maher’s squad heading into the Sweet Embrace Stakes, putting Pierro Plate winner Ciaron's Star at risk of missing out if the ground turns overly soft.
In comparison, Spicy Miss is definitely entered for the important Golden Slipper trial, and assistant to Maher, Johann Gerard-Dubord, revealed the yard is keeping tabs on predictions before locking in Ciaron's Star.
"We have the option to either go two weeks (into Saturday), and three weeks into the Slipper, or wait an extra week, which will give her three weeks from last start and two weeks into the Slipper," Gerard-Dubord said.
"She is by I Am Invincible. Usually, they don't tend to like those wet tracks.
"We've got a very open mind. If there was a bit of give, there would be no issue, but if the track was too wet, we'd be waiting an extra week."
Spicy Miss remains on course irrespective of the weather, despite her limited experience being confined to dry surfaces across two starts.
She placed second at her first outing in the Golden Gift and followed up strongly when runner-up to Agrarian Girl in the 1000-metre Lonhro Plate. According to Gerard-Dubord, the increase in trip to 1200 metres for Saturday's Sweet Embrace Stakes plays to her strengths.
With a current fifth position in the Golden Slipper standings by prizemoney, Spicy Miss offers the team reassurance in mapping her route to the big juvenile race.
"After the Gift, we knew we were a good chance to qualify for the Slipper, so working back from the Slipper, we have left plenty of improvement to come," Gerard-Dubord said.
"We've still got more to come, but three weeks between runs and stepping up to 1200 will suit her, and a bit of rain around wouldn't bother her.
"Obviously, we'd love to get a win on the board, and if she did that or ran very well, we'd progress to the Slipper."
Pembrey, the Queensland filly, tops the initial betting for the 1200-metre Sweet Embrace Stakes, with Spicy Miss and Ciaron's Star also figuring largely in the market.
Explore online bookmakers for competitive odds on the Sweet Embrace Stakes and the Golden Slipper ahead.
More Racing News
Waller's 'boys' set for Memsie Stakes challenge
Renowned trainer Chris Waller is pinning his hopes on his male gallopers to clinch his second Group 1 victory of the current season.After tasting success in the season's inaugural Group 1 race, the Winx Stakes at Randwick last Saturday, predominantly with a team of mares, Waller will now field three...
Oliveanotherday returns at Caulfield
Following a Group 1 success for one sprinter last Saturday, trainer Tom Dabernig is anticipating another of his charges to put forward a case for top-level racing this weekend.The promising four-year-old Oliveanotherday is set to commence his campaign in Saturday's $200,000 The Heath, held at Caulfield.This Group 3 race, run...
Music Time set for return, Golden Rose the target
Canberra-based trainer Gratz Vella has experienced his most significant career thrill thanks to the three-year-old gelding Music Time.During his debut preparation, the All Too Hard colt secured the Group 3 Black Opal Stakes (1200m), the premier two-year-old event in Canberra, and followed that performance with a commendable third in the...
Seraphox to kick off Guineas campaign in McNeil Stakes
It remains uncertain precisely how many runners Ciaron Maher will field in this Saturday's $200,000 H D F McNeil Stakes, but one colt guaranteed to compete is Seraphox.This son of Harry Angel is set to commence a campaign that has been meticulously planned with the $3 million Group 1 Caulfield...
Mr Brightside and Williams ready for another Memsie Stakes tilt
Craig Williams is aware that the remarkable journey with Mr Brightside is finite, yet he expresses enthusiasm for commencing a sixth Spring Carnival campaign with the gelding.The accomplished jockey will once again team up with the nine-year-old, prepared by the training team of Ben, Will, and JD Hayes, for this...
Guest House, Golden Slipper winner, set for three-year-old season start
Guest House cemented his status as a juvenile star last preparation, and his aim this spring is to prove he's more than just an early bloomer.The colt, who trainer Mick Price described as a 'big centre-half-forward', is scheduled for his first start as a three-year-old in the upcoming $250,000 Group...
Defiantly Claims Melbourne Cup Berth With Prix Kergorlay Win
Defiantly has clinched a ballot-exempt spot for the prestigious Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) following a dominant performance in the Group 2 Prix Kergorlay (3000m) at Deauville on Sunday. This success positions trainer Joseph O'Brien with another potent contender for a race where he has a notable track record.The Prix...
Yellow Jersey set for highly anticipated return
A joint workout at Sandown on Saturday saw Yellow Jersey keeping Half Yours company, a session Calvin McEvoy felt had a pleasing symmetry as both horses gear up for their spring returns.Last year, Half Yours offered the McEvoys, including father Tony, a glimpse into the pressures associated with the carnival's...
Persian Wonder eyes Up And Coming Stakes as next step
David Payne is setting his sights on early season three-year-old races for Persian Wonder, a horse who placed in the Baillieu, with the Up And Coming Stakes at Rosehill being a prime consideration.The accomplished trainer has confirmed the gelding will be entered for the Group 3 Rosehill feature next Saturday,...
Classy mare Gold Coast Belle too good on return
Gold Coast Belle is poised for more significant tests following a triumphant resumption at Sandown on Saturday.Trainer Danny O'Brien has signalled a progression to Group 2 races for the four-year-old mare, who comfortably surpassed her opposition, including the previously undefeated Tennessee Bound, in the $150,000 Dr Sheahan Plate (1300m) contested...