Jason Coyle is happy to forge ahead with Sheraco Stakes plans for Emotional Circus, despite conceding it is almost mission impossible against star mare More Joyous.
Coyle pinpointed the Listed 1200m fillies and mares contest at Rosehill as an ideal target for the talented sprinter 10 weeks ago, not knowing at the time that More Joyous would kick off her campaign in the same race.
The trainer admitted it was going to be “almost impossible” to beat More Joyous, with the Gai Waterhouse-trained eight-time Group One winner the $1.20 favourite and well suited under the set weights plus penalties conditions.
But after a convincing first-up win at Rosehill two weeks ago, Coyle is happy to give Emotional Circus her shot.
“Generally you don’t think you’ll meet a horse of that quality in a Listed race, but it’s that time of year and it’s a nice starting point for that mare (More Joyous),” Coyle said.
“It’s just a shame for the rest of us.
“I still go in confident my horse will run really well and if she runs up to her best she’ll be very competitive.
“Can she beat More Joyous? Very doubtful, but all I can do is have her prepared as best as I can and I think I’ve done that.
“We all know the dynamics of racing…miracles can happen.”
Emotional Circus resumed with a fast-finishing victory over 1100m which took the daughter of Elusive Quality’s record to four wins from nine starts.
“Obviously she’s come back in very good order,” the trainer said.
“She has done outstanding since her first-up run and hasn’t missed a beat. Up until this point everything has gone according to plan.”
Emotional Circus’s mother Cirque Du Soleil is a full-sister to former star sprinter and now champion sire Fastnet Rock, and a stakes win or placing would enhance Emotional Circus’s future value as a brood mare.
“I always planned to go to this race and even if she runs second to More Joyous, she’ll get black-type on her page,” Coyle said.
Emotional Circus is on the third line of betting at $11 with dual Group One winner Streama the only horse other than More Joyous under double figure odds at $9.50.