The addition of blinkers has turned Aesop’s Fable into a winner, prompting trainer John Sargent to raise the bar and test the filly in stakes grade for the first time.
The three-year-old has strung together a hat-trick of wins at Canberra, Goulburn and Wyong since the gear change and will bid to make it four in the Reginald Allen Quality (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday.
While Sargent admits it is a steep rise in grade, the renowned trainer of fillies and mares is equally certain the timing is right.
“She hasn’t been beaten with blinkers on and she is concentrating more so that was a big plus,” Sargent said.
“It’s probably a throw at the stumps because she is still to get stronger. She will definitely get black-type at four and five but I thought it’s a good chance now while she is in form at three to have a go.
“If fillies and mares are in form and thriving, you do keep them going.”
Aesop’s Fable’s rivals will include three from the Chris Waller yard, headed by early favourite and first-up winner Single Style, and a trio of Godolphin fillies led by Avon River.
Sargent saddles up Miss Moana in the Task Retail Technology Handicap (2000m) and says she will be given a light spring campaign in the hope she can return in the autumn for some of the better staying races in Sydney.
He also confirmed smart filly Emeralds jarred up when sixth to Flit in the Thousand Guineas and had been spelled.
