Trainer John Sargent has revealed that talented mare Kirramosa needs to run well in the 2014 Caulfield Stakes this weekend in order to back-up in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup at the same venue a week later.
Kirramosa will be returning to Melbourne racing for the first time since she took out the 2013 Crown Oaks. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Kirramosa has performed well without winning in her three race starts during the 2014 Spring Racing Carnival to date, but gets the opportunity over a more suitable distance in the Caulfield Stakes after having her previous start over 1500 metres in the Group 2 Shannon Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens on September 27.
Sargent told TVN this morning that he is thrilled with the physical condition of Kirramosa, but admits that she will need to perform at her very best in what is set to be a very strong edition of the Caulfield Stakes.
“It is d-day for her on Saturday,” Sargent said.
“We are up to the distance that she likes, 2000 metres, and Tommy Berry is on board.
“She is in very good order.
“It is a super field, but the Caulfield Cup is going to be even stronger and she would have to be right there or unlucky to carry on and run in the Caulfield Cup.
“I couldn’t be happier with her, she has been waiting for this distance and I opted to go in this race instead of the Craven Plate to have her run around Caulfield.
“I think that it helps the horse because it can be a tricky track, so that should be a good thing to.”
Kirramosa will be returning to Melbourne for the first time since she won the Group 1 Crown Oaks (2500m) at Flemington on November 7 last year and is set to follow a similar pattern as she did when she made her Melbourne racing debut with an impressive win in the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) at the home of the Victoria Racing Club five days before the Crown Oaks.
“She hasn’t gone yet and she will go tomorrow night,” Sargent said.
“Before she won the Wakeful she went down on Wednesday night, so she will do the same thing and she will be away tomorrow.”
The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) has always been the major 2014 Spring Racing Carnival goal for Kirramosa and she was included in the third acceptances that were released this afternoon as well as the first acceptances for the 2014 Melbourne Cup.
Kirramosa is currently available at Caulfield Cup odds of $26, while she is available at a quote of $51 to win the 2014 Melbourne Cup with Ladbrokes Australia.
