Flemington filly Classic Gem targets first career success

Trainer Dom Sutton from Flemington feels Classic Gem has proven her potential in her opening campaign to merit pursuits in further Black Type events, though he is now aiming lower to notch that elusive breakthrough.

This Saturday, the three-year-old daughter of Maurice seeks to end her maiden status right at her home venue.

Classic Gem, secured for $170,000 at the Inglis Premier sale and first prepared by Wendy Kelly, came into Sutton's and clients' ownership after placing fourth in the previous year's Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m), managing no poorer than fifth in three starts this time in.

Her season commenced with second in the Group 3 Alexandra Stakes (1600m), then fifth in the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m), culminating in fourth in the Group 1 ATC Oaks (2400m).

While content with the buy, Sutton looks forward to the joy of her first victory.

"I think she's already added value to what we paid for her," Sutton said.

"Half the job is done, we just need her to go and win a race now.

"She's multiple Stakes-placed, she's run fourth in two Oaks and ran second in a Group 3 first-up for us down here.

"I think she can win a Listed race, but if she can win any race she's going to be valuable as a broodmare."

Sutton weighed the option of the $300,000 Listed Andrew Ramsden (2800m) over the weekend at Flemington but selected the shorter 2000m three-year-old affair on the undercard.

As a 78-rated contender, she was the runner-up in ratings to Different Gravy (80) among 35 entrants for that specific race.

Returning post her April 11 ATC Oaks effort, she trialled second over 1100m at Werribee on May 1 under Sutton's watchful eye, who spots key benefits ahead.

"We did have her in (last weekend) over in Adelaide but after the trip to Sydney, where she had the back-up into the Oaks up there, I think putting her on a truck and travelling her again probably wasn't the right move," Sutton said.

"So, we just kept her home. She's had five weeks between runs, freshened up well and I like her at Flemington. I think Flemington is a lot better track for her than Morphettville."

Visit leading online bookmakers to find competitive racing odds for Classic Gem's key 2000m assignment at Flemington.