Aviatress and See You In Heaven primed for Robert Sangster Stakes

Local hopes are high heading into this Saturday’s $1 million Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes at Morphettville, with stablemates Aviatress and See You In Heaven looking to leave their mark on South Australia’s premier sprint for fillies and mares.

Co-trainer Richard Jolly, who prepares both runners alongside daughter Chantelle, is confident that the timing and preparation of each mare has them poised for peak performance.

“We’ve had this race on the radar for a while,” Jolly said to Racenet. “Aviatress came through the Irwin in great order, and See You In Heaven has been working super at home.”

Four-year-old Aviatress showed her promise with a solid effort in the Group 3 RN Irwin Stakes (1100m) earlier this month, setting her up perfectly for a step up to elite level.

“She’s going the right way,” Jolly remarked. “Her run in the Irwin was very encouraging — she hit the line strong and has tightened up nicely since.”

The team has mapped out an ambitious autumn campaign for Aviatress, with the Sangster as the key target, followed potentially by The Goodwood.

“The spacing of the races here in Adelaide really works in her favour,” Jolly explained. “She’s got a great turn of foot, and she’s still improving.”

Meanwhile, five-time Group race winner See You In Heaven returns to the track for the first time since last spring, when she finished unplaced in the Group 1 Empire Rose at Flemington.

“We’ve taken our time with her,” said Jolly. “She’s a mare who runs well fresh, and this race suits her profile perfectly.”

Jolly is under no illusions about the strength of the field but remains optimistic.

“She’s got the class — she’s proven at this level,” he said. “It’s a high-quality Group 1, but she’ll be very competitive if she brings her best.”

The Robert Sangster Stakes, a 1200m Group 1 contest exclusively for fillies and mares — is one of the jewels of the Adelaide Autumn Racing Carnival. Known for attracting Australia’s top female sprinters, the race promises a thrilling showdown this weekend.

“To win a Group 1 at home would be very special,” Jolly added. “Both mares are thriving, and we’re looking forward to seeing what they can do.”

Final fields and barrier draws will be released on Tuesday, with both Aviatress and See You In Heaven expected to attract strong market support.