Scratched at the barriers before the Inglis Millennium and withdrawn from the Blue Diamond Stakes because of a wide gate, Fayerra will now be directed to Rosehill for the Silver Slipper.
Trainer Anthony Cummings had hoped to take Fayerra to Melbourne for Saturday’s Group One Blue Diamond but decided to stay closer to home when she drew gate 14 of 16 at Caulfield.
He will instead initiate his back-up plan and run the youngster in the Silver Slipper (1100m) where she has a kinder draw (4) for her clash with 2020 Golden Slipper favourite Cellsabeel.
“The barrier decided it for us. Going to Melbourne from barrier 14 didn’t seem clever,” Cummings said.
“Her work this week has actually been the Melbourne way round in preparation for Caulfield but as luck would have it, it has been a nice change for her and she is bright and well and ready for Saturday.”
Being handed a visitor’s draw for the Blue Diamond has not been the only obstacle for Fayerra this preparation.
Cummings had high hopes for the filly in the $2 million Inglis Millennium but she was withdrawn at the starting stalls after she was kicked in the leg by another horse.
The trainer is circumspect but admits it was a disappointing blow.
“She would have run well in the Millennium had she been able to get a start. You don’t get a lot closer and don’t get the run,” Cummings said.
“It was pretty frustrating but it is what it is, what do you do?”
Fayerra will be having just her third start in Saturday’s race after following a debut fourth at Gosford with an eye-catching performance when filling the same position behind Blue Diamond contender Rulership at Randwick.
Both were over 1000-metres and Cummings expects her to appreciate a distance rise to 1100-metres on Saturday, particularly on a testing rain-affected track.
“She didn’t disgrace herself last start and I think she’s better now,” Cummings said.
“The way she goes, 1200 and further is going to be where she gets into her comfort zone so the conditions might be in her favour.”
Fillies have a good record in the Silver Slipper, winning 13 of the past 20 editions with Sunlight the most recent two years ago.
Cummings last won the race with Ballybleue in 2004.
