Vezalay has returned to competition in typically competitive form this season, and co-trainer Troy Corstens is confident a step-up in distance for Saturday’s Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) at Flemington will play into the strengths of the talented mare.
Vezalay has been included in nominations for Saturday’s Let’s Elope Stakes at Flemington. Photo: Adrienne Bicknell
Vezalay has finished outside the first three only twice through her short but impressive seven start career so far; returning this time for a comfortable win in the Beveridge Williams Plate (1100m) on August 15th before boxing on late for a credible third in the Group 3 Cockram Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield a fortnight ago.
Understandably thrilled with the condition in which the daughter of Shamardal has returned, Corstens told Racing Victoria Wednesday’s Let’s Elope Stakes barrier draw will be crucial in the mare’s success this weekend, but are confident she is ready for a return to the winner’s circle.
“She was very good at Caulfield, she just laid in the last 50m but she’s going to run in the Let’s Elope this coming Saturday, Damien Oliver is booked to ride her,” Corstens said.
“Just as a back-up we’ve got her in the Bobbie Lewis – the 1200m.
“We were obviously a first emergency in the race at Caulfield … we’ve got a little bit more prizemoney behind us but probably not enough to ensure we’re guaranteed a run on Saturday.
“She needs to run a really good race in either of those and then we’ll try and head to the Rupert Clarke.
“I think it’s imperative that she draws a gate.
“She’s much better when she can get a little bit of cover. So hopefully we draw a nice gate and she can give Damien a nice ride.”
Debuting for success in a Seymour minor over 1100m in October last year, Vezalay returned this year for a close second in the Sporting Chance Foundation BM70 (1000m) before making a competitive transition to black type racing in placing fifth in the Group 3 Typhoon Tracy Stakes (1200m) on February 27th.
Progressing to third in the Group 2 Kewney Stakes (1400m) on March 14th, the mare out of Tactfully returned to the paddock after placing eighth in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) a fortnight later.
The 2015 Let’s Elope Stakes final field and barrier draw is due to be completed and released by midday, Wednesday.
