Platelet Set for Adelaide Group 1 Features

Talented mare Platelet returned to racing for a comfortable victory in the Jeep 55 Second Challenge Heat 16 (955m) at Moonee Valley on Friday night, and will target the Robert Sangster/The Goodwood double in Adelaide as her final competitive points of call before retiring into a breeding career.

Platelet will target the Robert Sangster Classic and The Goodwood this campaign. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia

Platelet will target the Robert Sangster Classic and The Goodwood this campaign. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia

A standout performer for trainer Darren Weir since debuting during the spring of 2011, Platelet undoubtedly found career-best form over the 2013 edition of the Autumn Carnival, highlighted by consecutive victories in the Group 1 Robert Sangster Classic (1200m) and Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m).

Having displayed an affinity with the Morphettville track and conditions in seasons gone by, Managing Owner of Platelet Darren Dance said the six-year-old has already achieved more than enough through her 31 career starts and is in the right form to bow out of racing in style.

“She’ll go to the Irwin, Sangster and Goodwood and that will be it. She loves Adelaide,” Dance told AAP.

“She’s done enough.”

Finishing outside the first three only a handful of times through her impressive racing career, Platelet returned in typically competitive form in 2014; taking out the 55 Second Handicap first-up before placing a close second in each of the Group 3 Irwin Stakes (1100m), Robert Sangster Classic and The Goodwood.

Running an impressive second to boom colt Rubick in the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes (1000m) upon returning in spring, the Strategic mare was disappointing when beating only one runner home in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) on October 24th and returned to the paddock after placing ninth in the talent-rich Group 1 Darley Classic (1200m) on November 8th.

Weir is set to be offered several good chance of late autumn/winter success this year after confirming two-time Group 1 winner Trust In A Gust will be set for sprint features through the Brisbane Carnival.

“He’s just a little bit behind where we want him so he’ll resume at Caulfield and then he’ll go to Brisbane for the BTC Cup, Doomben 10,000 and Stradbroke,” Weir said.

The final field and barrier draw for Platelet’s first Group 1 target this season, the Robert Sangster Classic, is due to be completed and released by midday, April 29th.

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Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.