Autumn, as it is in spring, is a time when connections of mares dream big.
It is the time when a Stakes race win can add a little extra to the value of a potential broodmare.
Ballarat trainer Andrew Noblet has the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill next month in the back of his mind for Foxy Frida who returns to racing at Flemington on Saturday.
The Group 3 Frances Tressady Stakes (1400m) will determine Foxy Frida’s path to autumn riches.
Foxy Frida has been a model of consistency throughout her 30-start career that has netted 10 wins, a couple at Stakes level, including the Group 3 RA Lee Stakes (1600m) at Morphettville.
“She’s run second in a couple of Group 2’s, she’s won at Group 3 level,” Noblet said.
“She’s been so consistent, and she’s virtually won a Stakes race every time she’s been in work.
“Hopefully she can do it again this prep.”
Foxy Frida is a dual winner fresh and Noblet said the mare had been working well in preparation for her first-up run.
The mare finished fourth in a trial at Geelong on January 30 as part of her preparation.
“I was happy with her trial, and she’s been great since,” Noblet said.
“She’s had a couple of gallops on the course proper at Ballarat and I’m very happy with her.
“Visually and what we’ve seen on the tracks she’s going as good as ever, but she is stepping off in a bit harder race this time.”
If Foxy Frida returns as Noblet thinks she may, the trainer said he would make plans around the Coolmore Classic.
“We’ll get through Saturday first and that will tell us a lot,” Noblet said.
“But if she’s in really good form, I’d like to get her up to Sydney and maybe go to the Coolmore, or something like that.
“I think 1400 metres to a mile is her best trip, but with her its tempo related.
“A good tempo suits her and even though she’s run well at 2000 metres, I think the mile is her strength.
“The Coolmore they run along a bit, so we’ll see if her form warrants going there, if not we’ll stay put and find something suitable.”
