Trainer Robert Smerdon has confirmed that the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) will be the major 2015 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival target for talented mare Politeness.
Politeness finished her spring campaign with a dominant win in the 2014 Summoned Stakes. Photo by: Sarah Ebbett
Politeness recorded her maiden win at Group level when she beat Cosmic Endeavour to win the Group 3 Bell Stakes (1200m) at the end of her 2014 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival campaign, but made a slow start to her spring preparation.
The Street Sense mare resumed with a promising fourth in the Group 3 How Now Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on September 20 and flashed home late to finish fourth in the Group 3 Blazer Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on October 4, but was slightly disappointing when fifth in the Group 2 Tristarc Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on October 18.
Politeness made her debut at Group 1 level with a credible seventh behind Bonaria in the Group 1 Myer Classic (1600m) at Flemington on November 1 and she showed what she was capable when she exhibited a remarkable turn-of-foot in the Group 3 Summoned Stakes (1500m) at Sandown on November 15.
Smerdon is desperate to win a Group 1 with Politeness and he has set the valuable broodmare for the Coolmore Classic at Rosehill Gardens on March 14, while she is set to return to the races ion the Group 3 Bellmaine Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on February 14.
Another Smerdon-trained galloper that is set to return to racing at the Orr Stakes meeting on February 14 is promising filly Fontein Ruby, who will resume in the Group 3 Kevin Hayes Stakes (1200m).
Fontein Ruby stamped herself as a filly to watch when she upset Maastricht to win the Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on October 4 and she proved that win was no fluke when she scored an upset win in the Group 3 Caulfield Classic (2000m).
The Turffontein filly failed to hold on when sixth behind Thunder Lady in the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on November 1 and she failed to run out the trip when she finished at the tail of the field in the Group 1 Crown Oaks (2500m) at Flemington on November 6.
The Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) is unlikely to be the target for Fontein Ruby, but she could be given a chance in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on March 7 if she performs well in the Kevin Hayes Stakes.
Smerdon is chasing his first win at the highest level of racing since Mosheen took out the 2012 edition of the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill Gardens.
