Experienced filly Torsheen primed for Caulfield success
The combination of racing background and growing maturity has crafted Torsheen into a formidable contender.
Trained by Shane Nichols alongside Hayden Black, the filly seeks to enhance her tally in the Jack Elliott Handicap (1200m) over Caulfield's track this Saturday.
Torsheen has shone brightly this campaign, setting a new track record during her 1200m score at Sale in January, trailed by strong finishes at Sandown and Caulfield Heath, and capped by a victory at Caulfield Heath as the market elect.
Particularly satisfying for Nichols was her recent third in the Group 3 Typhoon Tracy Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield, where Point Barrow prevailed.
According to Nichols, shortening Torsheen from 1400m back to quicker distances has unlocked her potential this time around.
"We stepped her out in distance to 1400 (metres) a couple of times last prep, and she doesn't really get it," Nichols said.
"The tempo of the 1200 (metres) really suits her and she's a magnificent looking filly, big, strong, powerful filly, and it probably just took her a bit of time to mature into herself.
"She broke the track record at Sale, won as a short-priced favourite at Caulfield Heath and it took Point Barrow to run her down at Caulfield last time.
"It would have been lovely for a 'Black Type' win, but at least it gives her a Group 3 placing.
"She's going to go through the Inglis Chairman's Sale as a race filly next month and I think she could bring quite a significant amount of money.
"She had a half-sister, De Sonic Boom, that went for $725,000 retired, so I would imagine this filly is worth similar sort of money.
"The draw on Saturday is tricky in 12, but she has good gate speed, and we will be rolling up into the race, I would assume.
"She's better off keeping a tempo, rather than being held up."
Post-Saturday, Nichols eyes a possible venture to Adelaide with Torsheen, contingent on her showing.
The Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) on April 25 is off the table, as fillies such as My Gladiola and Point Barrow head there.
"There is a race on Mornington Cup Day (April 18) that may suit, or there is the (Group 2) Tobin Bronze Stakes at Morphettville a week later that could be a nice race for her," Nichols said.
"It would be a better option than taking on My Gladiola and Point Barrow."
Check the online bookmakers offering top betting markets for the race in the Jack Elliott Handicap.
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