Race Images Palmerston North
A trials win at Foxton on Tuesday was a step toward the Gr.3 $100,000 Stewards Stakes at Riccarton next month for the Group One placegetter Sweepstake.
Sweepstake, a daughter of Per Incanto, won her open heat over 1000 metres by two lengths from Gilhoolie. It was her second trial since undergoing a bone-chip operation on a knee.
“She trialled up well,” trainer Mike Breslin said. “She’s really talented and I honestly think she’d be a chance in the Stewards on the minimum weight.
“I’ll look for a run around here (central districts) in a Rating 65 as a lead-up and if she goes well she’ll go down to Riccarton.”
Sweepstake has raced just five times for a win and three placings, including a third behind La Diosa in last year’s Gr.1 NZ 1000 Guineas.
Earlier she had finished fourth to three star performers - La Diosa, Heroic Valour and Savile Row - in the Listed Barneswood Farm Stakes at Ashburton and in her debut she was fourth to Jon Snow, who now is a strong candidate for the Caulfield Cup after winning the Gr.1 Australian Derby and Gr. 3 JRA Cup.