Peter Moody eyes Alpha Sofie recovery in Caulfield feature
Trainer Peter Moody holds strong belief that Alpha Sofie can regain her spark heading into her Stakes assignment at Caulfield.
The $1 million Inglis Sprint (1200m) at Flemington on February 28 saw Alpha Sofie ruin her flawless slate for Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman with a lacklustre display.
Moody, after a complete check-up on the mare, is sure Alpha Sofie is primed for her comeback and ready for the Group 3 Don Casboult Classic (1200m) come Saturday.
Alpha Sofie kicked off in Queensland, notching victories in her last pair of races under Jason Edwards, before swiftly shining for Moody and Coleman in the Listed Atlantic Jewel Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley last spring.
After that win, she enjoyed a spell, then kicked off again with a convincing Caulfield success on February 7 in the Group 3 Peter Le Grand Stakes (1100m) ahead of her flat showing down Flemington's straight.
According to Moody, Alpha Sofie has put that flop behind her and he is eager to see the filly handle corners once more.
"She's flying," Moody said.
"She just got a bump at the start the other day and then pulled her head off, which she's never done before.
"That was down the straight for the first time for her. She charged and got lost."
The trainer's trust in the filly runs deep enough to target the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville in late April with Alpha Sofie.
"Hopefully this run will set her up to go to Adelaide for the Sangster," Moody said.
"That was where she was going the other day if she had won, so she can have this one to get her back on track."
With regular jockey Zac Spain off to Sydney for the Rosehill Guineas seeking Group 1 success on Victorious Spirit after three rides on the filly for Moody and Coleman, Luke Nolen picks up the reins on Saturday.
Discover competitive Australian betting sites offering markets for the Don Casboult Classic.
More Racing News
Regal Zeus set for Eye Liner Stakes as McArdle eyes Group 1 targets
Mornington-based trainer John McArdle is already charting a course for a Group 1 campaign early in the season, with Queensland playing a key role in his plans.The gelding Regal Zeus is heading to Ipswich for the Listed Eye Liner Stakes (1350m) on Saturday, which is slated as the initial of...
The Western Front seeks more staying honours
The Lindsay Park training operation, managed by Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, is anticipating a fruitful outcome with their in-form stayer at Flemington.The Western Front is slated to compete in a 2500m handicap this Saturday, aiming to build on his consistent recent performances.This galloper, originally from New Zealand, was...
Pride's Poison Chalice eyes Civic Stakes success
Joseph Pride, a trainer known for elevating tried horses, is now guiding the talented gelding Poison Chalice.The six-year-old Savabeel progeny was formerly trained by Paul Preusker in Horsham, with his last run being a tenth-place finish in the Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m).While Poison Chalice has not yet won beyond benchmark...
Caulfield Cup prize money boosted for historic 150th running
A substantial increase in prize money has been announced for the Caulfield Cup, perfectly timed for the historic 150th running of this iconic Australian thoroughbred race.The renowned 2400m handicap event, set to take place on October 17, will now feature a total prize pool of $6 million. A key feature...
De Bergerac's final preparation ahead of Santa Ana Lane Series
With a place already secured in next month's Santa Ana Lane Series Final, De Bergerac will have its final tune-up in this Saturday's qualifier for the Listed event.The Grahame Begg-trained five-year-old, a gelding, is set to contest the $150,000 open handicap over 1100 metres at Flemington.This race represents the last...
Asfoora set for Royal Ascot return with blinkers on
The pinnacle event, Grand Final Day, is fast approaching for Asfoora, and her trainer Henry Dwyer is anticipating an enhanced performance from his globe-trotting mare in the King Charles III Stakes on the first day at Royal Ascot.The seven-year-old daughter of Flying Artie, who triumphed in the 1005-metre Group 1...
Skyhook proves mile credentials in Gunsynd Classic success
Skyhook has successfully demonstrated his aptitude for the mile distance with a dominant performance in the Gunsynd Classic, now firmly establishing himself as a contender for the prestigious Golden Eagle in the spring.Co-trainer Sterling Alexiou confirmed that the promising three-year-old colt would be sent for a spell following his impressive...
Remedial trial work for See That Storm after debut setback
Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr's stable has opted for remedial trial work for former European import See That Storm following a disappointing debut performance in Australia.The gelding finished at the tail of the field on his Australian debut at Caulfield on May 30, crossing the line more than 10...
Royal Supremacy dictates terms to win The Q22
In a performance reminiscent of Pride Of Jenni, the Ciaron Maher-trained Royal Supremacy dictated the pace from the outset to secure victory in The Q22 at Eagle Farm.Following the late withdrawal of Pride Of Jenni due to the Heavy 9 track, Royal Supremacy assumed the lead in the Group 2...
McDonald Triumphs in JJ Atkins Stakes, Sets New Group 1 Record
A champion indeed, Tron Bolt, under the expert handling of James McDonald, clinched victory in the prestigious Group 1 JJ Atkins Stakes (1600m) at Eagle Farm. In doing so, McDonald etched his name in the record books, surpassing Malcolm Johnston's long-standing mark for group one wins in a single Australian...