Gai Waterhouse believes Alcohol Free can bounce back from last-place Everest run
We haven’t seen anywhere near the best of four-time Group 1 winning sprinter-miler Alcohol Free in Australia, but Gai Waterhouse is confident she can improve over a bit further in Saturday’s The Invitation (1400m).
Purchased by Yu Long Investments as a racing and breeding prospect in Australia, she’s run 10th, 4th and 12th in three runs here, but Waterhouse, who trains in partnership with Adrian Bott, is confident she’s come through The Everest well despite being beaten over six lengths.
“She’s come through it really well. I think that was just a bit fast and furious the other day and didn’t really suit her. I think when she gets over further distance, it’ll suit her even more,” Waterhouse said.
Waterhouse confirmed Adam Hyeronimus would replace Craig Williams on the five-year-old mare, saying “he’ll suit her really well.”
While no further Spring plans have been set in stone, Waterhouse is keen to keep stepping Alcohol Free out in trip, with the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) on November 4th an option, with Waterhouse suggesting even 2000m would be no issue.
“I think once she can get to the mile it’ll suit her much better. I’d love to see her in the Myer (Empire Rose) or even the Matriarch, she’ll run 2000 metres with her eyes shut,” Waterhouse said.
Purchased by Yu Long in November last year for a record 5.4 million guineas, which equates to over $10 million, Waterhouse hopes the attractive broodmare proposition, having won Group Ones at the age of two, three and four in England, isn’t whisked off before we get to see the best of her.
“Hopefully we’ll get another lovely long season out of her… I’m really, really happy with her.”
Alcohol Free was a $12 chance for The Invitation on Tuesday, with Espiona, who ran seventh in The Everest, holding favouritism at $3.50 with most Australian online bookmakers.
