Trainer Robbie Griffiths is forgiving of Collectable’s last-start defeat as favourite at Sandown and is anticipating a bold showing from the filly in the Rivette Series Final at Flemington.
Having finished fourth in the Ethereal Stakes and unplaced in the VRC Oaks last preparation, Griffiths thought highly enough of the filly to aim her at the Australasian Oaks (2000m) in Adelaide in May.
He said things did not pan out for the filly in that Group One race at Morphettville, with Collectable finishing midfield before returning home to Victoria.
Collectable easily won a benchmark race at Seymour over 1600m at her next start before being beaten just over six lengths when fourth to Tides as the $3 favourite over the same distance on a heavy track at Sandown last start.
Collectable stays at 1600m in Saturday’s Rivette Series Final for three-year-old fillies.
“She was terrific all preparation bar the Adelaide run where she failed at Group One level,” Griffiths said.
“We dropped her back to the 1600 metres and she was terrific at Seymour where she bolted in.
“She struggled a bit in the really heavy ground at Sandown last start and I think that’s all it was.
“She was just a bit one-paced on the wet track.
“So getting back to a soft (6) rated track at Flemington – and it might even get into the five range if the weather is clear – I think you’ll see her run really well on Saturday.
“She has trained beautifully and she looks great.”
Griffiths also believes being on the minimum weight of 54kg is a plus for Collectable because he said she was not an overly big filly.
“With Sure Knee having top weight (60kg) and compressing the scale, it probably helps Collectable a bit,” Griffiths said.
“I think she’s a really good chance.”
The Chris Waller-trained Sure Knee, who finished ahead of Collectable twice earlier this campaign, was the $2 favourite on Thursday while Collectable was at $14.
Sure Knee heads into the race off a two-length win under 60kg in a handicap for three-year-olds last Saturday week at Flemington.
