After a failed distance experiment, Perth mare Fabergino will be back in action over her preferred trip of 1000 metres when she runs at Flemington on Saturday.
Trainer Tiarnna Robertson said she was happy to have given Fabergino an opportunity at the highest level in the VRC Sprint Classic over 1200 metres.
However, the distance proved too far for her and Fabergino finished last.
“She’s right with them until the 100-metre mark and that was it for her,” Robertson said.
In that race, Fabergino matched motors with Nature Strip out the front until the final stages when she faded.
“It’s something I always wanted to find out the answer to, whether she can run a strong 1200 metres, and now I have. We’ll be staying at 1000 metres to 1100 metres,” she said.
“Also, at her last start that was her third run in six weeks which doesn’t really suit her. She’s better off with her runs well spaced.”
At her previous start before the VRC Sprint Classic, Fabergino finished second in the Group Two Caulfield Sprint (1000m) behind Graff.
The six-year-old mare has won nine of her 15 starts with seven of her wins over her pet journey of 1000 metres and the other two over 1100 metres.
Fabergino has had one previous start over the 1000 metre Flemington straight course for an easy win in the ATA/Bob Hoysted Stakes in February, running the distance in 56.55 seconds.
Robertson is keeping future plans open but says the mare will remain in Victoria.
“We’ve got our eyes on a couple of races. We’ll get through Saturday and take it from there but she’ll be staying over here,” Robertson said.
Fabergino will be ridden by Jordan Childs in Saturday’s Living Legends Sprint and will carry 61.5kg from barrier two.
The race has attracted a field of nine including Listed Carlyon Stakes winner Grandview Avenue.
Robertson will be on track but she is also looking forward to Sunday when she will return to Perth for the first time in three months after travelling to Victoria with Fabergino.
Robertson broke her leg during the trip, which also made travel for her difficult.
She said she had been waiting for the borders to open so she wouldn’t have to quarantine, which will be the case on the weekend.
