Trainer John Sargent has confirmed that both Thunder Lady and Gust Of Wind are set to contest the 2015 Warwick Stakes after they both went around in barrier trials at Royal Randwick this morning.
Gust Of Wind recorded a most impressive victory in the 2015 edition of the Australian Oaks. Photo by: Steve Hart
Thunder Lady and Gust Of Wind both contested the third barrier trial of the morning over 850 metres and they were at the tail of the field throughout, but Sargent was happy with the effort of both horses.
Sargent told Racing Ahead that he is unlikely to give either Thunder Lady or Gust Of Wind another barrier trial and he plans on starting their spring campaigns in the Group 2 Warwick Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick on August 22 to help them build towards the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) and the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m).
“They just went around to give them that nice sweat,” Sargent said.
“Both jockeys were happy with them, they had a good blow and they are back at the stable now on the walker.
“I don’t if I will, it might be better to go to the races with her because you get a better track and a day out again.
“They might kick-off in the Warwick Stakes on the 22nd at Royal Randwick.
“It is just down the road and a day out will bring them on.
“It was a maiden trying to win first-up or a sprinter then they would need another trial, but I just want to work them through to be at their peak come October and November.”
Thunder Lady took out the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) and finished second in the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) during the 2014 Spring Racing Carnival, but she was unable to record a race win during the 2015 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival.
She started her autumn preparation with flat efforts in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) and Group 3 Keith Nolan Classic (1600m), but she was able to return to a semblance of her best form to finish third in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) and the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m).
The owner of Thunder Lady sadly passed away last month, but she was purchased by Sir Owen Glenn – the owner of Criterion – and she will race in his colours during her spring campaign.
Gust Of Wind stamped herself as a horse to watch when she scored an astonishing win at Scone on February 23 and she made her debut at Group level with a fourth place finish in the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) before she scored an upset win in the Australian Oaks.
Gust Of Wind is currently available at 2015 Caulfield Cup odds of $21, while Thunder Lady is priced at $51 to claim a maiden Group 1 victory.
