As Beirut prepares for her final race start her trainer says a placing in black type company is just as crucial as a victory.
Henry Dwyer says Beirut will be an acceptor for Group Three races at both Flemington and Morphettville on Saturday and he will look at the make-up of the fields before making a decision.
Beirut made it four straight when she won at Caulfield on July 16 and a black-type placing would add to her broodmare value.
The six-year-old has been entered for the Aurie’s Star Handicap at Flemington and the Spring Stakes at Morphettville.
Both are over 1200 metres with the Flemington race on the straight course.
“The aim with her isn’t necessarily to find the race that is easiest to win, but to find the race that is easiest to run top three and get some black type,” Dwyer said.
“The Aurie’s Star looks pretty thin and there’s a lot of stayers resuming.
“But the straight is probably against her as it neutralises her best asset which is her high cruising speed and her ability to kick around a bend.”
Dwyer said he had concerns a long campaign may have been having an effect on Beirut after her last-start win which followed two victories at Sandown and one at Cranbourne.
“I was a bit worried about her being in work for a long time and starting to go over the top,” Dwyer said.
“But I sent her up to the water walker at Rockmount for ten days and since she’s come back I’ve been really happy with her.”
Connections have not yet finalised which stallion Beirut will be served by this spring.
