Ron Quinton is reluctant to split his two highly rated mares Dixie Blossoms and Daysee Doom, so the Golden Pendant at Rosehill will give an indication of the pecking order.
The stablemates worked smoothly on the course proper on Tuesday, leaving the trainer confident the pair will acquit themselves well second-up in the Group Two Golden Pendant over 1400-metres.
Dixie Blossoms and Daysee Doom opened this preparation in separate races at Rosehill on September 9 and line-up against each other for the first time since the Emancipation Stakes in March.
Daysee Doom was second to Zanbagh and Dixie Blossoms third and the five-year-olds should be in close proximity on Saturday.
“I’m very happy with them. They got through their first run really, really good.
“Their work on the course proper was really, really good. I couldn’t be happier going into it,” Quinton said.
Dixie Blossoms started this campaign with a fourth behind Deploy in the Group Two Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) while Daysee Doom claimed the minor placing behind Ravi and Perizada in the Group Three Sheraco Stakes (1200m).
Quinton had no concerns about a step up in trip for the duo, noting they had already experienced success over 1400m and beyond.
“Daysee won at Scone (Dark Jewel Classic) over 1400 so that won’t be posing any problems for her and Dixie has already won a mile at Randwick and run fourth in the Myer (Classic) at Flemington last spring.”
He said they would go head-to-head in the Group Three Angst Stakes (1600m), which Dixie Blossoms won last year, on October 7 and then venture to Melbourne for the Group One Myer over the mile on November 4.
“Dixie has been to Melbourne last year so it won’t faze her, and the other mare is pretty seasoned so it won’t bother her either if we go there with her,” he said.
Dixie Blossoms drew barrier eight when the 13-strong field was finalised on Wednesday, Daysee Doom will jump from 12 – a reasonable outcome for Quinton.
“Dixie needs a comfortable draw, Daysee Doom is a little bit different because she can race a bit closer to the speed.”
