Charlotte Littlefield has to pinch herself to make sure she is not dreaming the ride She’s Bulletproof has taken the pair on this campaign.
She’s Bulletproof is set to line up in her second Group 1 contest when she heads to Moonee Valley on Saturday to run in the William Reid Stakes (1200m).
The mare started her current campaign with a handicap rating of 70 when second in benchmark 64 grade at Bendigo in October.
A win at Moonee Valley followed with placings at Caulfield and Geelong in Stakes race after that before success in the Group 3 Bellmaine Stakes at Sandown in February.
She’s Bulletproof’s rating rose to 104 after she finished second to Jimmysstar in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) on February 22.
“It’s a magical ride and I have to sit down occasionally and pinch myself and think about how far we’ve both come,” Littlefield said.
“It goes to show that they don’t have to be half-a-million dollars at the sales, you don’t have to be born and bred into racing, you don’t have to have massive support from big players in the game, but it gives everyone a chance in Australia.
“It’s pretty remarkable that the horse has been able to get there and she’s in our stable.”
That magical ride has seen Littlefield and husband Julien Hay being active at the sales with 22 yearlings, which includes some home breds, expected to come to the stable.
Littlefield said the second-widest barrier of eight may not sound the best, but she believes it will give She’s Bulletproof plenty of galloping room.
She’s Bulletproof also has a liking for the Moonee Valley circuit, registering a win and a second from two starts while jockey Craig Williams will be shooting for his fourth win in the past eight running’s of the William Reid.
“She’s been great in the four weeks since she last raced,” Littlefield said.
“She’s had a jump-out, her gallop on Tuesday was good at home on the course proper.
“Craig was happy with how she jumped-out, I was happy with how she galloped.
“She’s around the weight we want her at, so she’s ticking all the boxes, so all we need now is to make sure there’s not too much rain.”
How far She’s Bulletproof progresses while in the form she is in, Littlefield is unsure.
A trip to Adelaide for the Group 1 Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville on April 26 is on the table, depending on how She’s Bulletproof performs on Saturday.
“We take each run as it comes with her,” Littlefield said.
“There is still a loose idea of the Sangster and there are lofty ambitions of potentially going overseas with her, but we can potentially work on that for next year.
“If she gives any signs that things aren’t 110 per cent, then she’ll be in the paddock.”