Trainer Nigel Blackiston has been thrilled with the form displayed by stable star Suavito this time and is confident the talented mare is a leading chance of success in Saturday’s featured Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington.
Nigel Blackiston is thrilled with Suavito ahead of Saturday’s Australian Cup at Flemington. Photo: Adrienne Bicknell
Suavito was unlucky to miss the entire Spring Carnival through injury but stormed back onto the Australian racing scene with an impressive first-up win in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 13th.
Having progressed to an impressive third in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) a fortnight ago, Blackiston was pleased with a strong piece of work completed by the Thorn Park mare over a mile on Tuesday morning and told Racing Ahead she is ready to fire in the 2016 Australian Cup.
“She’s very well,” Blackiston said.
“She had a nice gallop yesterday morning on the course proper over a mile and it was very pleasing work.
“It’s going to be a tough little race and we’ve certainly got respect for horses like Bow Creek, Preferment and Fenway so it won’t be an easy task, but I think she’s up to the challenge.
“The plan was always to go to the two 1400m – both tough races and gave her a good hit-out and her fitness up to the level it needs to be at.
“She’s taken benefit from both runs and there’s still room for more improvement going forward.
“I’m going in with a mare that every time she gets on the track, she tries. I’m going with a mare that has a great chance and is one of the main chances.”
Blackiston has revealed Suavito will likely travel abroad after running in the Australian Cup; underlining stops in Hong Kong and Royal Ascot.
“We’ll be going one run at a time and we’ll get through Saturday and see how she pulls up,” Blackiston said.
“Sydney is still an option but you look at the long-range forecast and it’s going to be wet again so there’s no point going there.
“She’ll cope with anything this mare. She’s just one of those great mares that has great tenacity and spirit and copes with whatever we give her.”
Suavito has posted a commendable eight wins and as many minors through her twenty career starts since first appearing on course competitively in 2013.
Resuming in 2015 for immediate success in the Futurity Stakes, Suavito progressed to success in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1400m) before running a credible seventh in the rain-soaked Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m).
Ladbrokes Australia are currently offering Suavito at 2016 Australian Cup odds of $8 for success.
