Driefontein, an eye-catching Golden Slipper performer, will be out to end her two-year-old season on a high note in Saturday’s Listed Keith Mackay Quality at Randwick.
The Magic Millions winner went into the $3.5 million Golden Slipper unbeaten from four starts but lost her chance when she bungled the start and came out two lengths last.
Driefontein flashed home late to finish sixth and trainer Gai Waterhouse elected to keep her in work for one last autumn carnival appearance.
Tommy Berry, who has ridden the filly in all five of her starts, retains the mount on Saturday.
“She went enormous in the Slipper,” Berry said.
“She probably ran the fastest last 400 metres of the race, or at least one of the fastest.
“She’s just got to sort out her barrier manners.”
Berry said Waterhouse assessed Driefontein on the day after the Slipper and decided to press on to the Keith Mackay (1200m) for fillies after the two-year-old pulled up so well.
“This is her last run before she goes out for a break,” Berry said.
“She pulled up very well on the Sunday morning (after the Slipper) and that’s why Gai elected to give her another one.
“She’ll definitely be the best horse in the race on Saturday and whether she’s had enough or not, we’ll find out.”
Among Driefontein’s four victories have been the Magic Millions Classic, a Group Three Bruce McLachlan Stakes and a Listed Widden Stakes.
The filly has to carry 60.5kg on Saturday which is four kilograms more than her nearest rivals in the field of 10.
