Gust Of Wind stormed onto the racing scene via a meteoric rise to Group 1 success in autumn, and trainer John Sargent has revealed he will set the rising four-year-old for a tilt at the 2015 Melbourne Cup upon her spring resumption.
John Sargent will set Australian Oaks winner Gust Of Wind for the 2015 Melbourne Cup. Photo: Steve Hart
Gust Of Wind spent more than a year in the paddock following a solitary start in late 2013, but returned this year for consecutive wins in the Golden Fleece Hotel Maiden (1400m) and Darley Handicap (1600m).
Clearly relishing the continued step-up in distance, the daughter of Darci Brahma ran on for a credible fourth in the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) on April 6th before producing a monumental turn of foot only one week later to take out the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) on the second day of The Championships.
Understandably thrilled with the results posted by the filly so far, Sargent is yet to plan a specific spring path for Gust Of Wind but is confident the conditions and distance of the 2015 Melbourne Cup will play directly into her strengths.
“She’s all systems go for the Melbourne carnival,” Sargent told Racing Ahead.
“I don’t think I’ve had a horse spell as good as her, she’s come back muscled up and looking fantastic.
“I’ll work it out when I give her a trial. We’ll work back from cups, mainly Melbourne obviously because I think the distance won’t worry her.
“I haven’t got any plan of attack yet; I’ll just wait to see how she comes through.
“(The Oaks fillies) haven’t really stepped up into the spring at four for a few years, so hopefully she will because I know at least she’s going to get a mile-and-a-half or further – she’s a real dour staying type.
“She only had a short, sharp (preparation) last season and she’s had a good break so let’s hope she steps up in the spring.”
Ladbrokes is currently offering Gust Of Wind at 2015 Melbourne Cup odds of $34 for success.
