Clinton McDonald is hoping a drop in class will be just what his filly Vestas needs to bounce back at Mornington this Saturday in the No Fuss Event Hire Handicap (1200m).
After facing tough competition in her past three starts, McDonald believes the time is right to rebuild the Toronado filly’s confidence.
“It’s one of those situations where we just needed to come back and let her win a race,” McDonald said. “She’s obviously been thrown in the deep end at her last three starts.”
Vestas impressed with a dominant debut win in October but has struggled to find the same form since, most recently finishing 15th in the Listed Moomba Plate at Flemington after drawing wide.
“I thought she ran well at the Sunshine Coast, and then last start she didn’t have much luck with the barrier and the way the track raced,” McDonald explained. “She’s better than her last run shows.”
For Saturday’s race, Vestas has drawn barrier three and will carry the top weight of 59.5kg with top jockey Ben Melham in the saddle.
“At least she’s drawn a gate this time, so hopefully she can settle a bit closer,” McDonald said. “The 1200m is a little bit of a query with the weight, but she’s fit and we’ve kept her ticking over.”
Despite the recent setbacks, McDonald is still bullish about her long-term potential.
“We feel she’s a Stakes horse,” he said. “We just need to give her a kill—let her get that winning feeling again. That’s what we’re aiming for on Saturday.”
McDonald brings solid form into the Mornington meeting, having trained three winners from just six runners so far in April and maintaining a 27.5% strike rate in city races this season.
With a kinder draw, an easier assignment, and a top rider aboard, Vestas will be looking to get back on track and remind punters of her early promise.
