If not for a wide barrier, trainer Nigel Blackiston would be quietly confident about the chances of Suavito in the Group One Vinery Stud Stakes.
The filly has placed in all three attempts at stakes level and her trainer is convinced she will relish a rise to 2000-metres in Saturday’s fillies’ feature at Rosehill.
But his confidence was dented on Wednesday when Suavito drew barrier 17.
Suavito, Michael Walker
“I’m rapt with her, I just wish she had drawn a bit better barrier,” Blackiston said.
“Getting to 2000 metres and a soft track, she’ll love it.
“I’m happy it’s a bigger field because the races are more genuinely run.
“We’ve just got to get luck in running.”
Suavito forms part of a strong Victorian contingent in the Vinery along with dual Group winner Solicit, Alexandra Stakes victor Marianne and the Peter Moody-trained Sensibility.
Suavito powered home for second to Marianne in the Alexandra Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley last start with Damien Oliver lodging an unsuccessful protest against Craig Williams aboard the winner.
Blackiston will leave tactics in the Vinery up to Oliver, who has 101 Group One wins to his credit.
The ATC Oaks (2400m) is in the plans for Suavito but Blackiston has the option to divert to the Australasian Oaks (2000m) in Adelaide if the filly doesn’t run up to expectations on Saturday.
Zanbagh and Rising Romance have opened equal favourites for the race but both must be cleared by Racing NSW veterinarians.
The Guy Walter-trained Zanbagh passed an initial fitness test on Wednesday and has been approved to wear bar plates in front at Rosehill.
Walter told stewards his farrier had recommended the change as a precaution after one of Zanbagh’s heels became slightly worn.
He added the filly had worked well in the bar plates this week and her program had not been interrupted.
Zanbagh will undergo another vet inspection on Friday.
New Zealand Derby placegetter Rising Romance suffered a stone bruise last month and will wear a pad on her off-fore hoof in Saturday’s race.
The filly will be inspected on Thursday.
