Trainer Robert Smerdon has revealed that classy filly Politeness is unlikely to contest the Group 2 2013 Sandown Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Politeness and Metastasio are set to clash in the Twilight Glow Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Politeness was included in the nominations for the Sandown Guineas as well as the Listed Twilight Glow Stakes (1400m) yesterday and Smerdon has decided that his star filly is better suited to the set weights plus penalties race.
Politeness was one of the leading fancies for the Group 1 Thousand Guineas, after recording dominant wins at Sale and Seymour, but has been unable to pick up a win since beginning her 2013 Spring Racing Carnival campaign in Melbourne.
The daughter of Street Sense started the Group 2 Thousand Guineas Prelude (1400m) at Caulfield on September 21 as the clear favourite but was beaten by Gregers and Marianne.
She was well-backed once again in the lead-up to the Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes (1610m) at Flemington on October 5 but had no luck during the run and faded in the final stages of the race to finish seventh – a performance that indicated that she may not be unable to run a strong mile.
Politeness returned to a semblance of her best form when she finished third behind Moderate and Roop All in the Listed Lexus Hybrid Plate (1400m) at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day and Smerdon told TVN that he is confident the three-year-old can record her first metropolitan victory this weekend.
“She has come through her run at Flemington well,” Smerdon said.
“She was beaten less than a length and her run peaked before the line.
“You would think there should be some improvement from that run to her next.”
The Twilight Glow Stakes has drawn a strong set of nominations and Politeness will need to be at her best to record her first win at Listed level on Saturday.
Darley filly Metastasio has been included in the nominations and she is another horse that connections will be hoping can break through for her first win this campaign after having no luck this spring.
The daughter of Street Cry finished second in both the Aquanas Foods Handicap (1000m) and Group 3 Quezette Stakes (1100m), after being blocked for a run in the straight, and failed to fire in the Domain Plate, Group 3 Champagne Stakes (1200m) and Listed Heritage Stakes (1200m) on Crown Oaks Day last week.
Also backing up from the Heritage Stakes is Danny O’Brien-trained Melrose Place who won the Listed event in impressive fashion after being given a clever ride by jockey Damien Oliver.
