Spring Campaign Not Off the Table for Real Love

Real Love was due to retire into a career as a broodmare following her autumn and winter preparation, however prominent owner Bob Peters has not closed the door on a 2016 Spring Carnival campaign.

Real Love may embark on a 2016 Spring Carnival campaign before retiring from racing. Photo: Daniel Costello

Real Love may embark on a 2016 Spring Carnival campaign before retiring from racing. Photo: Daniel Costello

Real Love began her racing career under the guidance of leading Perth trainer Adam Durrant in 2013, and has subsequently posted an impressive eight wins and eleven minors through her twenty-six competitive appearances, for more than $1 million in prize money.

By Desert King, a sire who most notably produced equine superstar Makybe Diva, Peters told Racing Ahead he has been pleased his desire to breed a champion stayer has been realised with Real Love.

“I wanted to see if I could breed a stayer and Makybe Diva had been going so well, and its been very successful for us so far, she’s done a very good job for us,” Peters said.

“She’s won a Perth Cup for us and she ran third in it again for us this year.”

Having underlined the Group 2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) in March as the final point of call for Real Love when she was transferred to the care of Darren Weir this time, Peters said the mare’s recent form and pending Brisbane Winter Carnival results may lead to a change in plans.

“I wasn’t, she was heading to the breeding barn because she was only sent over to Darren’s to be prepared for the Adelaide Cup,” Peters said.

“She ran very well in that considering she was caught wide the whole way, then ran really well in Melbourne caught wide again.

“She’s done very well in Brisbane, so we might have to reconsider what we do with her depending on what happens with her next two runs.”

Real Love ended her west coast tenure third in the Group 2 Perth Cup (2400m) on January 2nd, and made an immediate impact upon debuting for Weir third in the talent-rich Doriemus Handicap (2000m) at Flemington on January 30th.

Again finishing third in the Listed Torney Night Cup (2500m) on February 19th, Real Love produced a gutsy effort to win the Listed Roy Higgins Quality (2600m) only nine days prior to running third in the Adelaide Cup.

Returning to Melbourne for second in the Beck Property Group Plate (2000m), Real Love charged home to win the Group 3 JRA Cup (2000m) by a length at Doomben over the weekend.

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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.