Track conditions will play a key role in determining whether talented sprinter Arabian Summer resumes in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at The Valley this Saturday.
Co-trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy have nominated the mare for the Moir, but Tony confirmed she will also hold an entry in the Group 3 Concorde Stakes (1000m) at Randwick to keep her options open depending on track conditions.
Arabian Summer, a winner of five from 11 including the Group 3 Kevin Hayes Stakes at Caulfield, ran her best result in top company when finishing fifth in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate earlier this year. McEvoy said she has been showing strong signs in her work leading into her spring return, although she is still carrying her winter coat.
“She’s really good,” McEvoy said. “She was quite sharp in a jumpout the other day at Flemington. She looks a bit wintery still, so she’s not going to present brilliantly. But all the data we’re getting off her is excellent. Her lungs are good, she’s recovering well, and she’s doing everything right.”
Arabian Summer won her latest Flemington jumpout under regular jockey Harry Coffey, who is already booked for the Moir. McEvoy noted that her Oakleigh Plate performance earlier this year came on ground that wasn’t to her liking, and that softer conditions will be crucial for her to win at the elite level.
“For her to win a Group 1 it’s got to be soft ground,” he said. “I’ve got her in the Concorde as well, so she’ll run where the ground’s the softest. I’d rather not travel her until her coat comes, but I’m not going to run her on firm.”
With Arabian Summer in line for either the Moir Stakes or the Concorde Stakes, punters looking to bet on her campaign can compare leading bookmaker markets here.
