Two Blue faces a big task in overcoming a race-high 59kgs in Saturday’s Godolphin Crown (1300m), but trainer Kristen Buchanan is confident the mare will lay a typically good account for herself in the Group 3 race at Hawkesbury.
Two Blue will carry topweight in Saturday’s Godolphin Crown at Hawkesbury. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos
Two Blue has been the stable star for Wyong-based Buchanan for her entire racing career and has posted a commendable eight wins and sixteen minors through a total of thirty-eight competitive starts.
The Dubleo mare broke through for a maiden black type win with a commanding performance in the Group 2 Sapphire Stakes (1600m) on Day 2 of The Championships, and Buchanan is confident the Hawkesbury conditions underline the Godolphin Crown as an ideal race, particularly if there is cut in the ground.
“Would have been happy for her to have done it earlier when she ran all those seconds in her previous preparation, but it was fantastic,” Buchannan told Racing Ahead.
“We were wondering going into the spell and coming back into this prep at her age how she would come back, but I think she’s better than ever.
“I like this race for her. There’s a bit of rain forecast and 10mm would really suit her, she absolutely revels in a soft track.
“The barrier is nice for her and I really think the track will suit her.
“It’s obviously a good, strong field and she’s going to be carrying more weight, so that will be interesting to see how she copes with that because going to Queensland we’re looking at all of the set weights and penalties races for her.”
Paul King has partnered Two Blue through much of her recent racing career, and Buchanan credits the hoop for helping the rising eight-year-old reach her full potential.
“Paul is really fabulous on her, he really clicks. In her early days we had a lot of trouble with her, she’s aggressive but Paul’s natural strength as a rider is he’s a terrific front running rider, but he’s really worked out just how to get her to relax within herself,” she said.
“I think she’ll run a really good race.”
Two Blue returned to racing in 2015 in excellent form and was unlucky not to break through for her first black type win; running second in no fewer than five races at Listed level of higher.
Ladbrokes Australia currently rates Two Blue a $9 chance of success in Godolphin Crown betting markets.
