Promising filly Vain Attraction will have an important test down the straight at Flemington ahead of a planned assault at the track in next month’s Listed Creswick Stakes.
The Bel Esprit three-year-old was soundly beaten at her only Flemington start on Oaks day last year but trainer Robbie Griffiths was confident she would cope with the course much better in Saturday’s Peter Rowland Catering Handicap (1200m).
“She’s been down the straight before and was unsuccessful but it was only her second race start and first preparation,” Griffiths said.
“She’s a better and stronger horse now and she’s had two runs back this time in for two wins so I think she will be very competitive.”
Vain Attraction races off the speed and relies on luck in the run but she has an impressive finish.
She scored a last stride win first-up at Moonee Valley on March 31 and despite having trouble getting a clear run last start was able to beat Classy Chloe by a long neck at Caulfield on April 21.
“She didn’t have a lot of luck last time but she has got a good enough turn of speed so that when the breaks come she can take advantage of them,” Griffiths said.
Vain Attraction’s challenge on Saturday will not only be the straight course but also the big weight she has to carry.
She carried 54.5kg at the Valley and 55kg after the three kilo claim for Katelyn Mallyon at Caulfield, but jumps up five kilos this time on a track which is certain to be rain affected.
“If anything stops her it will be the 60kg in a non-claiming race,” Griffiths said.
Vain Attraction, who will be ridden by in-form jockey Nicholas Hall, has eased from $5.50 to $7 but is still among the top fancies in TAB Sportsbet’s market.
She shares the second line of betting with Classy Chloe while Roses In The Glen, who is resuming, and last start Flemington winner Somaly Miss are joint $5.50 favourites.
Griffiths said Vain Attraction was a similar type of filly to stablemate Spurcific who was beaten in a photo finish by Liveandletdie in the Creswick Stakes last year.
“Spurcific was a filly on the up last year and was narrowly beaten so hopefully this filly (Vain Attraction) can hold her form and go one better in it this year,” Griffiths said.
“To get black type with her would be sensational.”
The Listed Creswick Stakes (1200m) is at Flemington on June 9.
