Victorian-trained mare Our Libretto is yet to net a win on her interstate travels but will get another chance when she steps out in the Tattersall’s Cup at Eagle Farm.
The Grahame Begg-trained mare finished fifth in the Group Two Brisbane Cup (2400m) at her most recent of three Queensland starts after being unplaced in the previous two.
Our Libretto will be tried over 3000m on Saturday with Tim Clark booked to ride.
A placegetter in the Group Two Sandown Classic last spring, Our Libretto will be tried beyond 2400m for the first time.
“She doesn’t hit the bit in her races. She goes around very casually in her races so we don’t think going over a longer distance is going to worry her,” Begg said.
“She won’t over-race, that’s for sure. She will just go around and give herself a chance.
“On face value her first two runs in Brisbane looked disappointing but we felt she had excuses.
“At Eagle Farm two starts ago (Premier’s Cup) there was a very big bias towards the inside and she was back and tried to come wide and got beaten about five lengths. We thought there was quite a bit of merit in her run and we thought she ran well in the Brisbane Cup.”
Our Libretto began her career in New Zealand where she had her first two starts, while in 12 starts since joining Begg’s stable in Victoria she has won five races including four in town.
Saturday’s race is her latest opportunity to snare a valuable stakes race win, with Begg unsure of the mare’s racing future beyond this season.
“We’ll see what they want to do,” he said.
“Obviously they’ve got probably the option of going to stud. From my point of view I’d like to see her hanging around but you can understand the commercial value of some of these valuable mares, so there’s every chance she may go to stud.
“If she could win a Group Three it would be very valuable for her resume.”
There were 17 entries taken on Monday for the staying feature.
