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.
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