Promising Toronado filly Vestas is set to make her fourth career start in the $500,000 Listed HKJC Sprint Classic at Flemington this Saturday.
The three-year-old impressed on debut with a dominant win but has since faced misfortune, including a tough run down the Flemington straight and another in Queensland’s $3 million Sunlight Classic.
Trainer Clint McDonald is optimistic about her return, particularly with Private Harry’s recent win in the Group 1 Galaxy.
“She’s had two trials back since a good run in Queensland where she didn’t have a lot of luck,” McDonald said.
“Her last two runs were stiff, with excuses for both, and Private Harry’s win has since confirmed the form.”
Looking beyond Saturday’s race, McDonald is eyeing options in South Australia and NSW. However, he’s leaning toward Adelaide, given the filly’s preference for firmer tracks.
“She’s more effective on top of the ground, so we’re leaning toward Adelaide,” McDonald added.