Gregers will return to Group 1 level in the 2014 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield next month after she recorded her second straight victory in the 2014 Cockram Stakes this afternoon.
Gregers will go to the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes after winning the Cockram Stakes. Photo by Race Horse Photos Australia
Gregers missed the start slightly, but was able to take up a lovely position just behind leader A Time For Julia in the early stages of the race and the pair were able to get away with some relatively soft early sectionals.
A Time For Julia kicked away coming around the turn, but Gregers had too much strength in the final stages of the race to finish in front of her rival, while Commanding Jewel was able to work home strongly to finish third.
Trainer David Hayes said after the race that he believes all three horses that finished in the Cockram Stakes placings will be worth following during the 2014 Spring Racing Carnival and he confirmed that the daughter of Commands will have her next race start in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on September 28.
“I think that there were three very good fillies to follow for the spring all finished together,” Hayes said.
“My girl probably just had the edge of race fitness on them and it showed in the last bit.
“She was good, it was tougher than the race the other day and we will probably head to the Rupert Clarke in a month.
“I think that I have won it a few times and she is probably as good as them.
“She makes her own luck, they are a pleasure to have these on-speed classy fillies.”
Williams was criticised for his ride on Vain Queen in The Heath 1100 Stakes earlier in the day, but he gave Gregers a peach of a ride in the Cockram Stakes and she always looked like the horse to beat.
The leading hoop admitted after the race that a horse like Gregers makes his job very easy and he is confident that she will continue to perform strongly at Group level during her spring preparation.
“You hate to admit it, but horses like her definitely make it easier,” Williams said.
“She makes her own luck and she had one race under her belt, so she came here with fitness.
“She still looks like she is going to improve in the coat as well.
“It was a good quality mares race today and they all look like they are going to be competing at the top level.
“It was very workmanlike today her performance.”
Hayes is chasing his first win at Group 1 level since Eagle Falls took out the 2011 edition of the Oakleigh Plate.
