Trainer Matt Laurie concedes it is not ideal for Treasurethe Moment to be facing a small number of rivals in a Group 1 race at Caulfield as she builds towards a Cox Plate start.
The Group 1 Might And Power (2000m) on Saturday had just five acceptors with Light Infantry Man expected to line up in the Group 2 Hill Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill on Saturday.
That leaves a field of four and on paper it looks a two-horse race with Treasurethe Moment and Buckaroo expected to fight out the finish with the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained pair of Globe and Hezashoka to fight out third prize.
It will be Treasurethe Moment’s final start before the Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley on October 25.
“I would prefer to have a few more runners in the race, but it is what it is,” Laurie told SEN.
“I guess it’s going to be a similar sort of set-up to her last race. I’m guessing Globe takes up the running and we’re trailing it with the others trailing us.
“It’s different, that’s for sure, and I’m hopeful it works out, and we can see her back at her best.”
Treasurethe Moment went on a nine run winning spree before Pride Of Jenni defeated her in the Group 2 Feehan Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on September 26 at her most recent start.
A bout of colic put Treasurethe Moment’s campaign on the backburner for a couple of days in the lead-up to that race, and Laurie said the mare has been terrific since.
“I think there has been a lot of improvement,” Laurie said.
“She’s come on a lot and the equimetre that we have had on her in her last couple of gallops has confirmed that.
“Up to 2000 metres will be perfect for her and I guess they will put Buckaroo into the race early to make it a bit of a test.
“It’s not the makeup we really wanted heading to the Cox Plate, but it’s still a $1 million race with four horses in it, so it will be an interesting watch.
“Her work on Tuesday was very good, she seems to have pulled up good, and she seems in a good place.”
Damian Lane, who is unbeaten on Treasurethe Moment in seven rides, take over in the saddle on Saturday after missing the Feehan ride through suspension.
