Adrian Bott believes Sweet Redemption is now better placed to make an impact in Queensland after plans to campaign her in Brisbane over summer were put on ice.
The four-year-old was initially slated for the Magic Millions on the Gold Coast in January but Bott and training partner Gai Waterhouse instead opted to send her to the paddock after a solitary run at Doomben before Christmas.
Now Sweet Redemption is poised to head further north after Saturday’s Group Three Dark Jewel Classic (1400m) in Scone.
“She had a pretty long campaign. She had a few tough runs,” Bott said.
“Looking after her then means we’ve got a good filly on our hands this time round. There’s no reason she can’t head up to Queensland after Saturday’s run,” Bott said.
He was encouraged by her return to racing in Hawkesbury’s Godolphin Crown (1300m) on April 29, when Sweet Redemption was fifth behind Dark Jewel Classic rivals Shillelagh, Daysee Doom, Kinshachi and Tsaritsa.
“She rolled along nicely and was out sprinted late. No doubt there’s further improvement to come,” Bott said.
Sweet Redemption is a $13 chance on the fifth line of betting with WilliamHill behind the Peter and Paul Snowden-trained Artistry ($4.20).
Stablemates Prompt Response, Debonairly and Miss Debutante will also go to Queensland if they fillies perform at Scone.
Prompt Response ($6) is among the favoured runners in the Dark Jewel Classic, her fourth start of this preparation.
“We’ve been very happy with her performances to date,” he said, singling out her effort in finishing runner-up to Shazlee Lee in the Group Three Hawkesbury Guineas (1400m).
“I thought she was very brave taking on the boys. She was very honest,” Bott said.
Stablemates Debonairly and Miss Debutante continue their development after recording five wins from nine starts between them.
Bott said Miss Debutante ($8) was maturing nicely ahead of the Listed Denise’s Joy (1100m).
“As a two-year-old she had plenty of natural ability but lacked strength at that point in time. This is a step up in class and will tell us if she’s up to that grade,” he said.
Debonairly ($4.20) was a “filly that’s still piecing it all together”, a process that continues in the Listed Woodlands Stakes (1100m).
