Most seven-year-old mares are already in the breeding barn but connections of Irithea still have some racetrack goals to tick off.
As a stakes winner, Irithea’s residual value is assured but with just over $900,000 in the bank, trainer Bjorn Baker says her owners are keen to see her pass the $1 million milestone.
A win in Saturday’s Group Three Sydney Stakes (1200m) at Randwick will achieve that goal.
“The syndicate as a whole decided to keep racing her and I must say, I’m happy about that because she has been a stable stalwart,” Baker said.
“She has won just under a million so that’s one of the first aims with her this preparation, to win a million.
“The main aim going forward is trying to get her back into the Magic Millions fillies and mares race. She was a good second at the start of the year so that’s the plan with her.”
Irithea has not raced since she finished midfield in the Dane Ripper Stakes in Brisbane, a performance which came on the back of a victory in the Dark Jewel Classic at Rosehill.
She will meet some high class opponents in Expressway Stakes winner Standout and Godolphin’s Deprive but she has a good record fresh.
Stablemate Prime Candidate will be given his first opportunity at black-type level in the Sydney Stakes.
The on-pace sprinter has been in rich form, winning two of his past three starts, although he is yet to strike in three runs at Randwick.
“Back to 1200 suits, the question mark is whether he does like Randwick,” Baker said.
“He has worked through the grades nicely and he deserves a shot at a big money race.”
Baker will also have a vested interest in The Kosciuszko when his former galloper Redouble makes his debut for country trainer Mitchell Beer.
“I just hope he runs well for Mitchell. It looks a tough race but he’s a smart horse on his day,” Baker said.
