Co-trainer Troy Corstens has been thrilled with the form displayed by Vezalay since her arrival in Sydney and is confident the mare is ready to run a big race in the Group 2 Sapphire Stakes (1200m) on Day 2 of The Championships at Royal Randwick.
Vezalay is primed for a big performance in Saturday’s Group 2 Sapphire Stakes at Randwick. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos
Vezalay was a strong and consistent performer for Leon and Troy Corstens through the recent Spring Carnival; running third in the Group 3 How Now Stakes (1200m) and winning the Listed Alinghi Stakes (1100m) most notably.
Having returned this time for thirteenth in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) on March 27th, the Shamardal mare producing a strong turn of foot in the final straight to finish a credible fifth in the Group 3 Birthday Card Stakes (1200m) on last time out on March 19th.
Corstens told Racing Ahead the team couldn’t be more pleased with the work completed by the four-year-old and is confident the conditions of the 2016 Sapphire Stakes will play into her strengths on Saturday.
“She’s thrived since she’s been up here,” Corstens said.
“I know it’s a really tough race tomorrow, but she’s come right on since her second-up run.
“Probably we just had her a bit big. She’s third-up tomorrow and has taken a little bit to come to hand, but I think the two trips to Sydney has really helped her.
“She does love the soft ground so it should really suit.
“She’s drawn barrier 1 and will roll forward. Whether she leads or not remains to be seen but she’ll be forward making her own luck.
“Hopefully she doesn’t have to get too far off the fence to be in the best ground.”
Vezalay has finished outside the first three only a handful of times through a short twelve start career so far; posting three wins and as many minors since debuting in 2014.
Ladbrokes.com.au is currently offering the best 2016 Sapphire Stakes odds, for which Vezalay can be taken at a generous quote of $16 in regular markets or $24.50 in the unique Best of the Best market!
