The recent prizemoney boosts announced for the Sydney spring carnival could entice connections of Golden Slipper placegetter Coolangatta to head north.
The filly will kick off her campaign in Victoria where co-trainer Ciaron Maher has identified the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley on September 23 as an ideal early-season target.
If she can prove her mettle against the more seasoned sprinters in the Moir, Maher says Sydney’s feature sprints will be on their radar.
“One hundred per cent,” Maher said.
“She has got to win a Group 1, tick that box.
“I just thought that arguably her best run was in the Gimcrack (Stakes) over the 1000. She is a fast horse.
“I was keen to get her to The Valley and have a look and she would have a lot of options open to her if things went the right way there.”
Coolangatta was well managed during a two-year-old campaign that yielded wins at her first three starts, culminating in her Magic Millions Classic victory at the Gold Coast in January.
Wet tracks interrupted her autumn preparation with her sole appearance coming in the Golden Slipper where she finished a brave third to Fireburn on a heavy track.
Maher reported the now three-year-old had returned to the stable in great order and her spring preparations were well under way.
“She had a jump out the other day and came through it really well,” Maher said.
The Big Easy will be the sole runner for Maher and training partner David Eustace at Rosehill on Saturday when he steps out in the Guildford Leagues Handicap (1100m).
The horse has won two of his three starts over the course and distance, including his most recent appearance when he ran down the promising Shades Of Rose on July 16.
