Weather conditions at Randwick are set to play a crucial role in determining the final make-up of Ciaron Maher’s team for the Sweet Embrace Stakes, with Pierro Plate winner Ciaron’s Star in doubt should the surface become too rain-affected.
While Spicy Miss is locked in to contest the key Golden Slipper lead-up, Maher’s assistant trainer Johann Gerard-Dubord indicated the stable is closely monitoring the forecast before confirming Ciaron’s Star.
“We have the option to either go two weeks (into Saturday), and three weeks into the Slipper, or wait an extra week, which will give her three weeks from last start and two weeks into the Slipper,” Gerard-Dubord said.
“She is by I Am Invincible. Usually, they don’t tend to like those wet tracks.
“We’ve got a very open mind. If there was a bit of give, there would be no issue, but if the track was too wet, we’d be waiting an extra week.”
Spicy Miss, on the other hand, will take her place regardless of conditions, despite having raced exclusively on firm ground in her two career starts.
She finished runner-up in the Golden Gift at her debut before returning with a solid effort behind Agrarian Girl in the Lonhro Plate over 1000 metres. Gerard-Dubord believes Saturday’s rise to 1200 metres in the Sweet Embrace Stakes will better suit the filly.
Currently sitting fifth in the Golden Slipper Order of Entry, Spicy Miss has already banked enough prizemoney to give the stable confidence in plotting a measured path toward the juvenile showpiece.
“After the Gift, we knew we were a good chance to qualify for the Slipper, so working back from the Slipper, we have left plenty of improvement to come,” Gerard-Dubord said.
“We’ve still got more to come, but three weeks between runs and stepping up to 1200 will suit her, and a bit of rain around wouldn’t bother her.
“Obviously, we’d love to get a win on the board, and if she did that or ran very well, we’d progress to the Slipper.”
In early markets, Queensland filly Pembrey heads betting for the Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m), with Spicy Miss and Ciaron’s Star also prominent among the main contenders.
Punters can compare odds and markets for the Sweet Embrace Stakes and upcoming Golden Slipper through the leading Australian betting sites to find the best available prices.
