Suavito
NZ Racing Desk
Missing the spring carnival was never the plan for Suavito (NZ) (Thorn Park) but the layoff could prove a blessing in disguise for the classy mare.
The Group 1-winner makes her long-awaited return to the track in Saturday's star-studded Orr Stakes at Caulfield.
Suavito hasn't raced since last year's Doncaster Mile after knee surgery forced her onto the sidelines during the spring.
Before that the mare had won four successive stakes races across two campaigns, highlighted by her win in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes.
Like the Orr Stakes, that race is run at weight-for-age over 1400 metres at Caulfield and she was successful first-up from a spell, as she will be on Saturday.
Trainer Nigel Blackiston though is under no illusions of the task facing Suavito given the strength of the field and will be happy to see the mare hitting the line well.
"There's some very good horses in this race – if she can be thereabouts and be competitive I will go home happy," Blackiston told Michael Felgate on racing.com
He said the time off could prove a blessing for the mare and ultimately help prolong her career.
"In the amount she has grown and developed, I'd have to say to me she's improved," Blackiston said.
"Her trackwork's been super, her trials have been very good and she's in great order and the most important thing is whatever she does on Saturday she will improve."
Blackiston said Suavito's campaign would depend on the weather with the mare looking to avoid wet tracks but the Sydney features were well on her radar. Racingandsports.com.au
The Group 1-winner makes her long-awaited return to the track in Saturday's star-studded Orr Stakes at Caulfield.
Suavito hasn't raced since last year's Doncaster Mile after knee surgery forced her onto the sidelines during the spring.
Before that the mare had won four successive stakes races across two campaigns, highlighted by her win in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes.
Like the Orr Stakes, that race is run at weight-for-age over 1400 metres at Caulfield and she was successful first-up from a spell, as she will be on Saturday.
Trainer Nigel Blackiston though is under no illusions of the task facing Suavito given the strength of the field and will be happy to see the mare hitting the line well.
"There's some very good horses in this race – if she can be thereabouts and be competitive I will go home happy," Blackiston told Michael Felgate on racing.com
He said the time off could prove a blessing for the mare and ultimately help prolong her career.
"In the amount she has grown and developed, I'd have to say to me she's improved," Blackiston said.
"Her trackwork's been super, her trials have been very good and she's in great order and the most important thing is whatever she does on Saturday she will improve."
Blackiston said Suavito's campaign would depend on the weather with the mare looking to avoid wet tracks but the Sydney features were well on her radar. Racingandsports.com.au