A stud career for stakes-placed mare Fashion has been deferred a year to give her another preparation with the Sydney autumn carnival in mind.
Trainer Heath Conners said the four-year-old was to be retired this spring but managing owner Newhaven Park wants see if the daughter of Encosta De Lago and 2001 Blue Diamond Stakes winner True Jewels can improve her race record and enhance her broodmare value.
“The plan was that she was going to go to stud but they were so happy with her they decided to give her another preparation,” Conners said.
“She’s finished third in a stakes race in Adelaide and might step up to the mark again.”
Fashion resumes in Saturday’s Printhouse Graphics Handicap (1200m) at Moonee Valley after making ground for a midfield ninth to Torio’s Quest in the Group Two Queensland Guineas in June.
Her only two wins in 17 starts were at Ballarat and Flemington in April before she finished third to Ain’tnofallenstar in the Listed Laelia Stakes (1600m) at Morphettville in May.
Conners said there was good upside to her and he expected her to improve from her run on Saturday.
“I have taken her along slowly and her coat hasn’t come through yet,” Conners said.
“I reckon more than likely she will get back at the Valley and will be running home really strongly.”
Fashion is $13 with TAB Sportsbet in Saturday’s market which is dominated by Cats Pyjamas ($3.60).
Avionics ($6.50), Miss Elvee ($8) and Fabulist ($8.50) are considered the other main chances.
Conners hopes to find some easy targets for Fashion over summer before giving her a freshen up in a long campaign.
“She’s got a low rating (70) so it gives you an opportunity to win a couple of Saturday races with her and then maybe have a let up at some stage and look at going up for the Sydney carnival in the autumn,” Conners said.
AAP TURF
