Barrier 18 no hindrance to Sequista's Scone return
Trainers Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou believe filly Sequista has the class for black-type success despite her tendency to undermine herself.
Having notched stakes placings in the 2024 Inglis Nursery (1000m) and run near the placings in Tempted's Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m), the three-year-old targets another milestone in Saturday's Listed Denise's Joy Stakes (1100m) at Scone.
"She has (been unlucky) but in saying that a lot of it has been self-inflicted," Alexiou said.
"She can get a high head carriage, and she likes a nice, flowing gallop, so a position three-wide will be a good thing for her if she can get in a nice spot and the track is playing that way."
The wide draw of gate 18 for the filly does not overly worry Alexiou, especially as it may improve to 15 if emergencies are scratched.
He explained that the barrier position will not prevent them from proceeding with the first-up run at Scone, which has been a key fixture in their plans.
"At this stage she will take her place. We've had the intent all preparation to run here first-up," Alexiou said.
"She had a very solid trial the other day to make sure she was up to the mark, and there is only the one turn at Scone so hopefully the bad barrier isn't the be-all, end-all.
"If things go the right way, she can run really well in a race like this."
Sequista has Tyler Schiller aboard and was listed at $12 on Friday.
Alexiou looks forward to a productive campaign for the filly regardless of Saturday's result, with options in Sydney handicaps or black-type races up north in Queensland.
"The prizemoney in Sydney is still very good and she is still way down in the benchmarks, she is only a 73 rater," Alexiou said.
"But that's our ambition, to get black-type with her, and we believe on her day she's got that type of ability.
"It's a good place to kick her off at Scone, and I'm sure she's in for a good preparation whatever eventuates on Saturday."
Find the best betting markets for the race ahead of the Denise's Joy Stakes.
More Racing News
Filly Consulate triumphs in Sandown Guineas ahead of expectations
Trainer Chris Waller expressed satisfaction that the Melbourne Cup Carnival isn't solely about accumulating wins, especially when a filly like Consulate delivers a standout performance in a race such as the Sandown Guineas.The Group 2 1600m contest, now reinstated to its customary date at Sandown, proved significant for Sheza Alibi...
Impressive debut win for Lucky Lakota in Max Lees Classic
Lucky Lakota delivered a hometown victory of sorts in the Newcastle stand-alone opener, clinching the $160,000 Max Lees Classic (900m) with a strong finishing run.Although prepared by Ciaron Maher, the nation's foremost trainer, Lucky Lakota was procured and syndicated by Jamie Lovett and Luke Murrell of Newcastle's Australian Bloodstock, with...
The Racing WA TV team: More than just a broadcast for The Pinnacles
Long before they were in front of the Racing WA TV cameras, the team members were kids riding trackwork, absorbing Racing Radio with their grandparents, working in stables, poring over form guides, and dreaming of calling races. Their individual journeys into racing are remarkably varied, but the common thread of...
Summoned Stakes: Concord Connie's final spring start
Charlotte Littlefield acknowledges that the Summoned Stakes was not initially a high priority for Concord Connie heading into the spring, but the $200,000 Group 3 race presented too significant an opportunity to overlook.The mare, considered a stable star, is set to make her final appearance for the season in Saturday's...
Morton's Afireofgidgeecoals primed for The Pinnacles opener after gear adjustments
Trainer Dan Morton is feeling optimistic as Western Australia's racing calendar heats up, with his stable poised for the commencement of The Pinnacles at Ascot in Perth.The series features four Group 1 contests, collectively offering $1.5 million in prize money across five race days. Morton's focus is on securing a...
War Machine set for CF Orr Stakes challenge
The Lindsay Park stable has learned not to take anything for granted with the talented gelding War Machine, following his scheduled first-up run this campaign. However, the Hayes brothers are enthusiastic about witnessing his capabilities in the upcoming CF Orr Stakes at Sandown this Saturday.This $1 million Group 1 race...
Horologist faces stern test in Spring Stakes as autumn carnival looms
Chris Waller is not hesitant to immediately elevate Horologist from a maiden win to Group company, as he seeks to determine the colt's potential as an autumn carnival contender.The highly-pedigreed son of acclaimed stallion Written Tycoon and Group 1 victor In Her Time, who was acquired for $1.8 million as...
Ron Quinton entrusts apprentice Siena Grima for The Hunter bid
A potential $1 million prize in The Hunter at Newcastle presents an interesting collaboration between trainer Ron Quinton and apprentice jockey Siena Grima, a pairing that might yield unexpected success.Grima, currently indentured to prominent trainer Chris Waller, is slated to ride Signor Tortoni for Quinton for just the second time...
Czech Out looks to continue impressive winning form
Damien Moyle, co-trainer of Czech Out, indicated that claiming might have been the prudent choice for the upcoming Morphettville race on Saturday, but he and Gordon Richards are opting to stick with jockey Taylor Johnstone.Johnstone was not present for Czech Out's initial race appearance but has ridden the horse in...
Magna Sententia primed for Sandown Guineas under Weir
Taige Weir is still coming to grips with having a Stakes winner in her stable, but she is determined to maintain her focus and not let success breed complacency.The emerging Ballarat trainer is setting her sights on securing a maiden Group victory this Saturday at Sandown.Weir is set to saddle...