John O’Shea is backing Alizee to bounce back from a distressing debut to potentially qualify for the $3.5 million Golden Slipper when the filly seeks redemption in the Group Three Magic Night Stakes at Rosehill.
The two-year-old filly finished fourth of eight in the ATC Staff Recognition Day Maiden (1200m) at Randwick on February 15 after she was slowly away for Christian Reith and then blocked for a run down the straight.
“Alizee had a very unfortunate first-up run so I took her back to the trials just to build some confidence and to remind her how to execute well in a race,” O’Shea said.
“She’s an extremely talented filly and if she was to get a nice run and if she ran up to her work she’d be extremely competitive.”
Alizee, who won a barrier trial on February 27 at Rosehill on a heavy track, the same conditions she can expect on Saturday, is on the fourth line of Unibet.com.au betting at $6.
Limbo Soul, who won her first start at Rosehill on February 22 led the market on Friday at $3.40.
O’Shea was also bullish concerning colts Coruscate ($6.50) and Schubert ($10), who are vying to qualify for the Golden Slipper via the Group Three Pago Pago Stakes (1200m).
Coruscate finished second to Diamond Tathagata in the Skyline Stakes at Randwick on February 25.
“He was on a very heavy track at Randwick at his last start and I thought he was a little bit eager coming up over the rise,” O’Shea said.
“He’s back to a firmer surface on Saturday, his work’s been exceptional and he’s seasoned up really nicely for a race of this calibre, so he’s probably the better chance of the two.
“Schubert’s stepping up to stakes grade on Saturday, but the transition from midweek company to stakes grade isn’t that great at this time of year.
“He’s a very talented colt and he’ll acquit himself well.”
Ducimus is the Pago Pago Stakes favourite at $3.40, narrowly ahead of the Gerald Ryan-trained Condor Heroes ($3.60).
The Golden Slipper is at Rosehill on March 18.
