Mystic Opal’s dynamic return to racing means her career as a stayer has been put on hold.
The mare is aiming for three wins on end when she contests the Hamilton Hotel Hcp (1350m) at Doomben on Saturday.
Mystic Opal returned from a four-month spell with an easy win in a midweek Class Three 1200m-handicap at Doomben and then demolished a good standard Saturday One Metropolitan Win field over 1400m at Eagle Farm last Saturday week.
Trainer Chris Anderson had thought Mystic Opal would be a potential stayer but is starting to have second thoughts about her career direction.
Mystic Opal was unplaced in the Group Three Doomben Roses (2000m) in May and was a handy fourth over 2200m before going for a spell.
“I am beginning to wonder if we went the right way with her in the staying races last winter when she was three,” Anderson said.
“She has really showed a good turn of foot in her two runs since returning. She has blown the opposition a way with her strong finishes.”
Anderson said he was considering keeping Mystic Opal to distances up to 1600m this campaign.
“If she shows us she wants further we can always fall back on that plan.”
Anderson is far from happy with Mystic Opal’s outside barrier in a field of 13 but hopes she can get early cover in a race in which there should be plenty of pace.
Mystic Opal has won five of her 12 starts and amassed $92,100 prize money.
“We are looking at some of the better winter carnival races for her next year so we need to get her rating and prize money up,” Anderson said.
Anderson has elected to miss Saturday’s two-year-old race with Magic Millions Classic aspirant Mishani Bullitt.
The gelding is currently 35th on the order of entry for the Millions and needs to win a race to make the field.
Mishani Bullitt will now run in the Group Three B J McLachlan Stakes at Eagle Farm on Saturday week.
“Saturday’s race is at 1050 metres and Mishani Bullitt is really looking for 1200 now,” Anderson said.
“I think he is up to the better company and won’t be pit of place in the McLachlan at 1200m.”
Anderson said if Mishani Bullitt failed to make the Magic Millions field he had a back-up plan to run him at the Sunshine Coast a week later.
“There is a good money two-year-old race up at the Sunshine Coast and it would be weaker than the Millions,” he said.
