Suavito on best behaviour in International Stakes

Smart mare Suavito was on her best behaviour in winning the Group 3 $150,000 Eliza Park International Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley today.

Two starts back Suavito refused to leave the barrier when favourite for the Group 2 $200,000 Blazer Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on October 4 but with the blinkers off and the winkers on the four year old mare was back to best recording an overdue win.

Winning jockey Damien Oliver had Suavito ($2.60 favourite) travelling well just a little worst than midfield and circled the field to record a solid win over Precious Gem ($11) and the pace maker You’re So Good ($20).

Trainer Nigel Blackiston, who saddled up both the winner and the third placegetter, tried Suavito over a middle distance last campaign but will keep her to 1600m this preparation.

“She was very unlucky her last few starts, she’s a tough little filly and she keeps trying and she had the will to win,” Blackiston said.

“I think we will keep her to the mile, it suits her better as well. We tried her over more distance, but she is better kept to the mile.”

“I’ll have a talk to the owners, let the dust settle and put in a nomination for the Myer and see what happens.”

If Blackiston heads to the Group 1 $500,000 Myer Classic (1600m) at Flemington next Saturday, the Thorn Park mare will no doubt start one of the favourites.

Today’s win was Suavito’s fourth from fourteen starts and the winning cheque of $90,000 boosted her overall earnings to $329,000.

 

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.