Golden Slipper favourite Coolangatta remains on track for the $5 million race despite being a no show at the Randwick barrier trials on Thursday.
The unbeaten filly and Magic Millions winner was withdrawn from her 1050 metre heat after co-trainer Ciaron Maher decided she didn’t need the extra hitout.
“She is in really good order, I just didn’t think she needed to trial,” Maher said.
“We have got her in to race on Saturday week.”
Maher said Coolangatta had spent time at the beach following her Magic Millions triumph at the Gold Coast in January and had freshened up nicely.
She is now back at his Warwick Farm satellite stable ahead of her assignment in the Group 2 Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on February 26, her final start before the Golden Slipper three weeks later.
Maher also reported talented mare Snapdancer had come through her Triscay Stakes win at Randwick on Saturday in good order and was under consideration for a Group 1 target.
“Maybe a Canterbury Stakes depending on what is in the field,” Maher said.
The Canterbury Stakes (1300m) is at Randwick on March 5 and is expected to attract a strong line-up with exciting sprinter Lost And Running and top galloper Zaaki both slated to run.
Coolangatta remained at the head of TAB’s Golden Slipper odds on Thursday at $4, ahead of Magic Millions runner-up Russian Conquest ($8).
Queen Of The Ball and Best Of Bordeaux, who clash in the Silver Slipper (1100m) at Rosehill on Saturday, are both prominent at $13 and $15 respectively.
