Alsephina made the journey from Perth to Sydney and arrived in excellent condition early Thursday morning, despite having to take a detour through Victoria along the way.
Trainer Grant Williams has built a reputation for successfully traveling his horses from Western Australia for eastern state features, and after a strong 2023 campaign, which included a win, two placings, and a fourth-place finish in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m), the six-year-old mare is ready to run in the Group 2 Guy Walter Stakes (1400m) at Randwick this Saturday.
“The trip away to Melbourne last spring was really beneficial for her,” Williams explained.
“I’m eager to see how she performs on Saturday and assess where we’re at,” he added.
This Saturday’s race will be Alsephina’s first in Sydney, although she’s been accustomed to the clockwise direction, having worked at Mornington earlier this week.
“She galloped on Tuesday in the Sydney direction and handled it very well,” Williams said. “She’s very adaptable, changing legs when required, and is extremely easy to work with.”
“Race day pressure may be a bit different, but we believe she’ll cope with it effortlessly,” he said.
“She’s staying at David Brideoake’s property, which she’s familiar with, so that should help with her confidence,” Williams added.
Grant and his training partner Alana will give Alsephina a quiet look around Randwick on Friday or Saturday morning to complete her preparation.
“I think that’s the most sensible approach,” Grant said.
“Her last campaign was solid, and I believe she’s in a better place now compared to when she went into that first run at Flemington,” Williams said.
“She’s more forward in her preparation now, and the fact she’s already had a trip away is a real bonus. I’m very excited about her chances,” Williams concluded.
If all goes well this Saturday, Alsephina will be pointed toward the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill on March 15, where she’s listed as an $8 chance in futures betting.
The Doncaster Mile and Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes, both over 1600 meters, are other key races on her radar.
Ridden by Kerrin McEvoy this weekend, Alsephina is currently the $4 second favourite with betting apps for the Guy Walter Stakes. Amelia’s Jewel, from Western Australia, is the $2.30 favourite.
