Suavito
Flemington trainer Nigel Blackiston has made a cautious gear change to Suavito (NZ) (Thorn Park) ahead of Saturday's Gr.2 Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes (1600m) at Mooney Valley.
"We are going to apply the blinkers," said Blackiston.
"I've always thought she would be a blinker type of mare but I put her in them at Flemington and she stayed in the barriers so I've been a bit gun shy to try them again."
"She had a nice trial in the blinkers last Friday which was pleasing. I was very happy with the trial and how she jumped out of the gates.
"She's in good order she's taken real benefit from her first up run and I'm looking forward to Saturday."
Suavito kicked off her spring campaign with a sixth placing in the Gr.2 Lawrence Stakes on August 13.
Suavito has drawn barrier ten in the fourteen horse field and she will have the services of her regular rider Michael Walker, who has made a speedy recovery from a lower back injury he sustained last Friday.
"I didn't know what the prognosis would be as it was an injury I hadn't had before and I was worried how long I could be out for," said Walker who was suffering from three prolapsed discs and spasms in his back.
While a firm spring plan is yet to be put in place Blackiston has a couple of options in mind.
"After Saturday we will look at the Stock Stakes and then we can work out if we continue on a mare's path or if we take a look at the Cox Plate."
Gr.1 ATC Derby winner Tavago (NZ) (Tavistock) is also an acceptor for the Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes, however trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young have commented that he's an unlikely starter with the Gr.1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington next Saturday their preferred option.
"We are going to apply the blinkers," said Blackiston.
"I've always thought she would be a blinker type of mare but I put her in them at Flemington and she stayed in the barriers so I've been a bit gun shy to try them again."
"She had a nice trial in the blinkers last Friday which was pleasing. I was very happy with the trial and how she jumped out of the gates.
"She's in good order she's taken real benefit from her first up run and I'm looking forward to Saturday."
Suavito kicked off her spring campaign with a sixth placing in the Gr.2 Lawrence Stakes on August 13.
Suavito has drawn barrier ten in the fourteen horse field and she will have the services of her regular rider Michael Walker, who has made a speedy recovery from a lower back injury he sustained last Friday.
"I didn't know what the prognosis would be as it was an injury I hadn't had before and I was worried how long I could be out for," said Walker who was suffering from three prolapsed discs and spasms in his back.
While a firm spring plan is yet to be put in place Blackiston has a couple of options in mind.
"After Saturday we will look at the Stock Stakes and then we can work out if we continue on a mare's path or if we take a look at the Cox Plate."
Gr.1 ATC Derby winner Tavago (NZ) (Tavistock) is also an acceptor for the Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes, however trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young have commented that he's an unlikely starter with the Gr.1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington next Saturday their preferred option.