Stablemates Sagaronne and Mr Epic are set to clash when they line up in the $60,000 QTIS 3yo Handicap (1615m) at Doomben on Saturday.
Sagaronne, above in red colours with yellow cap, will clash with stablemate Mr Epic at Doomben. Photo by Daniel Costello.
Mr Epic is chasing a hat trick of wins following his victory in a 1600m three year old Plate at Rockhampton on June 25 followed by a win in a 3yo Plate over 1500m at Eagle Farm on July 16.
The two three-year-olds were set to clash at Eagle Farm on July 16 but trainer Toby Edmonds withdrew Sagaronne after the track was downgraded to a heavy 8 after race 3.
Edmonds didn’t want to risk the Real Saga filly on the heavy track and he is hoping she can regain her two year old form that saw her run second to Press Statement in the Group 1 $600,000 BMW Australia J.J. Atkins (1600m) at Doomben during the 2015 Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival.
“The track was pretty heavy when she was due to run at Eagle Farm and I didn’t want to risk ruining her campaign on a heavy track,” Edmonds told Racing Queensland News.
Being a Group 1 placed filly, Edmonds considers Sagaronne to be well weighted at Doomben on Saturday with 56.5kg and has again engaged Jeff Lloyd who holds a handy lead in the Brisbane jockey’s premiership.
“She’s got 56.5 kilos so she’s still well placed in the weights being a Group 1 placegetter,” Edmonds said.
“Jeff Lloyd is riding her and he was pretty happy after he rode her in a gallop yesterday.
“Jeff’s trying to win the premiership so I’m happy to have him on board.”
While Mr Epic could head to the $65,000 Ballina Cup on September 8, Edmonds is keen to aim higher with Sagaronne who could head to Sydney for the Spring Carnival or be saved for the 2017 Magic Millions Carnival at the Gold Coast.
“I’ve been very happy with her and she’s very clean winded,” Edmonds said.
“I just want to get past Saturday first before deciding whether she goes for the Magic Millions or some Stakes races for fillies and mares in Sydney.”
While Sagaronne will carry her full weight, Edmonds has booked 3kg claiming apprentice Josh Oliver to reduce Mr Epic’s weight to 56.5kg.
“He’s got 59.5 kilos so three kilos off will bring him right into the race again,” Edmonds said.
“He and Sagaronne are both going well so I can’t separate them.”
Sagaronne has drawn barrier six with one of the six emergencies drawing inside of her while Mr Epic has drawn out wide at fifteen but could come into ten if all the emergencies fail to gain a start.
