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.
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