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.
More Racing News
Mountjoy Earns Shot at Stakes Glory in Adelaide
Any further achievements for Mountjoy this campaign will be considered a bonus, but the Ballarat-based filly is set to take her chance at a lucrative Stakes victory this Saturday in Adelaide.The two-year-old, prepared by Henry Dwyer, is slated to compete in the $120,000 David Peacock Oaklands Plate over 1400 metres...
Hayes eager for luck to turn for mare Madiyya
Ben Hayes has discovered that opportunities often don't come easily for Madiyya throughout her career.As a result, the narrow defeats she has experienced in her last two races have been particularly frustrating.The daughter of Super Seth has been narrowly beaten in her past two starts, each time finding herself unable...
Struggling Stayers Cup for Centenario
While a minor placing in midweek company might not seem like the most auspicious form reference for the Stayers Cup, Adrian Bott is optimistic that Centenario's inherent improvement and fitness will allow him to make the transition.The former New Zealand galloper finished third over 2400 metres on the Kensington track...
Tuileries readied for Tattersall's Tiara assault
Peter Snowden opted to modify Tuileries' preparation for the Tattersall's Tiara due to the recent rainfall in Brisbane, yet he remains assured it will not diminish her chances.The four-year-old filly was scheduled to contest the Dane Ripper Stakes (1400m) two weeks prior but was withdrawn due to the heavy track...
Hickman banking on Future History for Cup success
The primary winter objective for Future History has been the Tattersall's Cup, and if the gelding secures victory, a start in the Melbourne Cup will become a tangible goal.This eight-year-old, who competed in Australia's most celebrated race back in 2023, has been running with considerable spirit this season. He achieved...
Touristic poised for resurgence in the W J McKell Cup
Peter Snowden is confident that Touristic is in good health and expects the gelding to perform strongly at Rosehill, despite a disappointing performance last start.The ten-year-old will be competing in his tenth start of the preparation when he lines up for Saturday's W J McKell Cup (2000m), having begun his...
Miracle Spin in line for Caulfield hat-trick, says trainer Bobbin
Andrew Bobbin's judgment on Miracle Spin looks particularly sharp now, though he admits there were moments he felt far from clever.The Stawell trainer even contemplated if Miracle Spin would endure a second preparation with him following a barren three-start spring campaign, which concluded with a distant last in the Penshurst...
Dylan Gibbons' career still developing
For Dylan Gibbons, a steadfast commitment to consistency has been paramount this season, a philosophy he intends to carry forward.The pinnacle of any jockey's aspiration is to capture Group 1 races. Should he succeed in winning the final major event of the 2025-26 racing term aboard Infancy in the Tattersall's...
Bazaball Rewarded set for Caulfield return
Kelvin Southey is content with his decision to withhold Bazaball Rewarded from city racing until the current campaign, and he is pleased she is now being given the opportunity to demonstrate her class.The four-year-old mare's three starts this year have all taken place at Caulfield, resulting in victories either side...
Portelli's Runner Numbers Depend on Rosehill Track Conditions
Gary Portelli's team at Rosehill could be significantly reduced this weekend, with the trainer indicating that many of his horses will be scratched if the predicted rain arrives and impacts the track surface.Portelli is set to have six runners on Saturday, including the lightly raced three-year-old Performance. However, her participation...