Trainer Michael Kent is confident in the chances of in-form stayer Scratchy Bottom ahead of this weekend’s featured Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) after completing a strong piece of work on Tuesday morning.
Scratchy Bottom has been confirmed for the 2014 South Australian Derby. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia
Producing a scintillating turn of foot to finish third in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) last weekend, Kent told AAP he wanted to ensure Scratchy Bottom had fully recovered before committing her to this weekend’s Group 1.
“I just wanted to have a look at her and see how she got through the run” Kent said.
“I came over and we gave her a canter. She looks well and has eaten up so there was no reason not to pay up.”
Looking like lapping up the extra distance when charging home last weekend, Kent is confident the Sebring filly will handle the extra 500 metres of the 2014 SA Derby and is more than a chance.
“It’s a Group 1 race and she’s here (in Adelaide). The trip won’t hold any fears” Kent said.
“It’s hard to line them up; the colts and the fillies, but I think the fillies are comparable.
“She ran against a few of these horses in the Alister Clark Stakes and was competitive.”
Securing two wins and one place from only six competitive starts to date, Scratchy Bottom has quickly stamped her claims as one of the country’s most exciting up-and-comers, winning her racing debut before finishing fourth amongst particularly classy company in the Group 2 Jeep Don’t Hold Back Classic (1600m) on October 25th.
Returning to the track in similarly impressive form this time in, the filly out of Silk Veil won the Robert Hunter Fillies (1400m) before sprinting well for fourth and fifth in the Group 3 The Vanity (1400m) and Group 2 Alister Clarke Stakes (2040m) prior to her most recent appearance.
Having claimed the ideal barrier 1, Scratchy Bottom is currently offered as outright third favourite for success in the 2014 SA Derby and clear market mover at current $7 odds, having cut in from a quote of more than $10.
Winner of the Listed VRC St Leger (2800m) last time out, Order Of The Sun is currently outright favourite at $3.80 odds, ahead of Bring Something ($4.80).
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