Trainer David Brideoake has been understandably thrilled with the form and class displayed by Griante this time, and has revealed his stable star will return to Sydney to contest Saturday’s Group 2 Sapphire Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick.
Griante will line up for the Group 2 Sapphire Stakes on Day 2 of The Championships at Royal Randwick. Photo: Steve Hart
Griante returned to racing to racing in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield on February 27th and while producing a typically gutsy effort, received absolutely no luck in transit and finished well off the pace of winner Flamberge.
Jumping from the gates well in the Group 1 The Galaxy (1100m) on March 19th, the Good Journey mare took an ideal position within the field of fourteen was produced at the right time by jockey Craig Williams; savaging the line for a dominant and maiden win at the highest level.
Confirming the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville during the Adelaide Autumn Carnival now figures as her major racing target, Brideoake told AAP Griante has taken plenty of benefit from her triumph in The Galaxy and will line up for the 2016 Sapphire Stakes a picture of health.
“She’ll run on Saturday then she’s got a bit of time before she runs in Adelaide,” Brideoake said.
“It was a great thrill to win one at that level, especially with one that you’ve bred and reared and had since they were a baby.”
Griante has been a strong and consistent performer since debuting to racing for Brideoake in 2013; posting a commendable seven wins and eight minors through twenty-seven competitive appearances.
Resuming in 2015 in typically slick form, Griante ran a credible fourth in the Group 3 Bellmaine Stakes (1200m) first-up before returning to winning form in the Group 3 Wenona Girl Quality (1200m) on March 7th.
Producing a strong effort to finish third in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m), the mare out of Grand Strategy returned to the paddock after running a close second to Avoid Lightning in the Sapphire Stakes.
Having continued to impress through a busy Spring Carnival campaign highlighted by a close second in the Group 3 How Now Stakes (1200m) and fifth in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m), Griante has amassed just under $1 million in prize money since debuting.
The 2016 Sapphire Stakes field and barrier draw is due to be completed and released by midday, Wednesday.
