It’s been more than a year since Leon Macdonald declared Go Indy Go as good as any horse to walk into his stable.
Things have not gone to plan since she won the 2014 Group One Champagne Stakes but the Adelaide trainer believes Go Indy Go is now ready to live up to the better horses he has trained such as Gold Guru, Umrum, Rebel Raider and Southern Speed.
The filly had a mixed spring and was rested for the autumn when Macdonald and owner Harry Perks decided she needed time to mature.
“She had a long rest and she is now back in good order and will be entered for all the big races including the Cox Plate and the Caulfield Cup,” Macdonald said.
“The plan is to give her a trial then an exhibition gallop with Happy Trails at Morphettville on August 1 before the Spring Stakes a week later.
“Then she will probably head to Melbourne.”
Veteran weight-for-age performer, the Paul Beshara-trained Happy Trails, will also run in the Group Three Spring Stakes before heading to Melbourne.
Macdonald has resigned himself to the fact Go Indy Go will never reach the size of 2011 Caulfield Cup winner Southern Speed but hopes she can reach the same heights.
“Southern Speed was a big mare but Go Indy Go is just naturally lighter and will never be that big,” he said.
“She is eating well and working well and that is the main thing.”
Go Indy Go had five starts in Melbourne last spring with her best performances two thirds in the Thousand Guineas and the Vase.
Macdonald also has spring ambitions for Gamblin’ Guru but is not aiming as high with the gelding.
“He is having a break and the plan with him will be the back end of the spring carnival,” Macdonald said.
“We will aim him at the Sandown Cup with a view to the Perth Cup.
“He’s not quite up to the best stayers but those races should suit him.”
