The Dermot Weld-trained Sapphire has taken another step towards the Melbourne Cup with an exhilarating display in the Irish Stallion Farms Stakes at Galway.
Weld, who has won the Melbourne Cup twice, said the mare would run next in the Irish St Leger before a trip to Australia was considered.
“She will be entered in the Melbourne Cup,” Weld said.
“I’m not saying she will run in it but she will be entered.”
Second to Izzi Top in the Group One Pretty Polly on her last start, Sapphire was far too good for her rivals in this Group Three event.
She sprinted clear under Pat Smullen and those who took the 1-7 price never had to worry as she beat Demurely by 7-1/2 lengths.
“She was very impressive and very good. She is a lovely big staying mare and there is lots to look forward to with her,” Weld said.
“The Irish St Leger is next up and we will take it from there. She is a stayer with speed and she is a very adaptable mare. She is a big galloping mare and I think she will get the trip at her ease.
“She is only getting going now and she will be kept in training next year.
Weld became the first European trainer to win the Melbourne Cup with Vintage Crop in 1993 and he repeated the feat in 2002 with Media Puzzle.
