Since Suavito’s return to our Flemington stable in mid May, Nigel and connections remained open to running her first-up in either the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes this Saturday, or the Group 1 Memsie Stakes on the 27th. Or both. Her track work and trials would determine which path to take.
Over the past two weeks, it has become clear that Suavito is fit and in fine condition following two jump outs at Flemington, and ready for a tilt at the Lawrence Stakes this Saturday.
Her first jump out was a good performance. As per previous preparations, her second jump out on 29 July was only fair, given her ability. She seems to go through the motions a little in her second trials and in some of her track work, but sparks up at the races when needed!
Her record of three wins and two placings from five first-up performances, and her record four wins at Caulfield from eight starts, bodes well for Saturday. But we know she is a year older and there are never any guarantees when racing at this elite level.
We welcome Michael Walker back on board Suavito this weekend. He has ridden her twice during her three-year-old season, including a victory at Caulfield. This partnership between Michael and the stable has been rebuilding steadily in recent times, following on from very successful seasons between 2011 and 2014. Combined in these seasons, the Blackiston / Walker strike rate is around 16% of runs.
Last preparation, Luke Currie piloted Suavito to her first up victory in the Group 1 Orr Stakes. It was a perfect ride, typical of what we see from Luke regularly each week, and on display again two weeks later for Suavito’s placing behind Turn Me Loose in the Futurity Stakes.
So it is with a heavy heart that Luke misses out on Saturday’s ride. It was a difficult decision.
Michael partnered Suavito in a solid gallop over 1000m on Tuesday morning, strong enough to prove to Nigel and Michael that she will again be hard to beat on Saturday. Best of luck to her owners, and to our friends at Trelawney Stud and IDL Racing in NZ.