Group One-winning mare First Seal is back to full fitness and ready to kick off her Epsom Handicap campaign.
First Seal worked over 1200m between races at Rosehill on Saturday, shading her stablemate Hooked, running the last 600m in 34.08secs.
Her first start for the spring will be in next Saturday’s Group Two Tramway Stakes (1400m) at Randwick.
First Seal was favourite for the Warwick Stakes at Randwick last Saturday before she was scratched due to a foot abscess.
Jockey Tommy Berry, who will ride her in the Tramway, said his confidence for the race grew after the exhibition gallop.
“She felt great. She’s noticeably fitter than when I galloped her two weeks ago,” Berry said.
“She’s 100 per cent for next week.”
Trainer John Thompson said First Seal had matured as she embarked on her four-year-old season.
“Her foot seems to be behind her and with that hit-out it’s the final test for her really,” Thompson said.
He said missing the Warwick Stakes was not a major disruption to her preparation.
“You’d rather get the hiccup out of the way now than a couple of days before the Epsom,” Thompson said.
Hooked will also head to the Epsom via the Cameron Handicap at Newcastle.
