Grahame Begg is making his way to Adelaide accompanied by the clever mare Niance, possibly teeing up a Brisbane campaign for the speedy type.

With Flemington’s Saturday card offering no sprint suits for Niance, the trainer selects the Group 3 John Hawkes Stakes (1100m) at Morphettville.

Curiously, the Anzac Day fixture at Flemington has races no shorter than 1400m.

Begg confirmed Niance’s readiness for a 1100m kick-off after two efforts last spring.

In reality, the mare saw action three times in 2025, ending with third behind Giga Kick and Tropicus in October’s Schillaci Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield.

“She had a little joint issue in the spring, so we had to back off her and give her time so it would all settle down,” Begg said.

“She’s had a couple of jump-outs, so she’ll go over there and I think she’s ready for the 1100 metres.

“The Sangster is on the same day and it’s a bit hard running them in a Group 1 over 1200 metres first-up.

“That would be a bit of an ask for her.”

Niance, boasting seven wins from 13 outings, heads home to Cranbourne stable afterward, prompting choices on her subsequent targets.

A Brisbane trip is Begg’s preference, yet he hasn’t excluded Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville on May 9.

“The Goodwood is there, I guess, and we can always look at that, but it’s very hard making two trips with them within a couple of weeks,” Begg said.

“There’s a whole heap of races up in Brisbane that she could run in.

“We can get her up there, settle her in and have a look as there is virtually a race every week for her.”

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