Peggy Jean gained many admirers with her tenacious victory over Group Three winner Boomwaa in the Inglis Classic but it was only one step towards possible autumn riches.
Trainer Gerald Ryan and her owners have all but ruled out the Golden Slipper but there are many other options if she can live up to her favouritism in Saturday’s two-year-old race at Rosehill.
Peggy Jean - Photo by Steve Hart
Ryan said Saturday’s race would be an acid test for the filly.
“This is a lot harder,” Ryan said.
“Her first start was against fillies and then she won a sales restricted race although she did win it well.
“This time she is against the boys and carries three kilos more than she did last time.
“If she goes well then we have to consider what we do.
“The options are to have maybe one more start then go to the Sires Produce in Melbourne.
“But if we do that, then that rules her out of the Sydney carnival.
“The other option is to give her a break and get her ready for the Sires’ Produce here in Sydney and possibly the Champagne.
“But first we have to see what she does tomorrow.”
Peggy Jean is by Myboycharlie who is also the sire of Ryan’s other runner in the race, Heytherecharligirl who is making her debut.
“I don’t think there’s much between the two fillies,” Ryan said.
“Heytherecharligirl finished in front of Peggy Jean in her first barrier trial and the 1200 metres will be right up her alley.”
Tommy Berry replaces the injured Kerrin McEvoy on Peggy Jean while Jim Cassidy rides Heytherecharligirl.
The duo’s older stablemate Red Excitement goes to the February Handicap (1400m) off a last-start win at Randwick and although he has the outside barrier, Ryan said that could be in his favour rather than a hindrance.
“I don’t mind him being out there. I think some of his better runs have been when he’s out wide,” Ryan said.
“He is a big strong horse and he doesn’t like being cluttered up.
“He gets his head so low he needs a bit of room.”
Red Excitement meets a similar field to his last start at Randwick on January 18 including Mecir who failed to get a clear run until it was too late.
