The Mark Walker stable is pleased with the prospect of the Moir Stakes at Sandown, where Geegees Mistruth is set to compete.
This 1000-metre Group 1 race is being held at Sandown this year because Moonee Valley is undergoing track reconstruction and a reconfiguration.
A field of 13 horses will take part in this year’s contest, and while a fast pace is anticipated, the Sandown track’s layout should allow the runners to spread across its width.
Geegees Mistruth’s last run was a victory in the Group 1 Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville in April. She comes into Saturday’s race off a single jump-out, a win at Caulfield Heath on August 19.
Walker’s assistant trainer, Ben Gleeson, mentioned that the team deliberately kept the mare fresh, believing she has completed sufficient work to be competitive.
“The plan was always to have the one jump-out, keep her fresh and then hopefully we can go to the Manikato (Stakes),” Gleeson remarked.
“We were rapt with her trial at Caulfield Heath a few weeks ago and she’s had a few gallops at home.
“I think she’s improved. In saying that she needs to with her rating being where it is now.
“She has to find a couple of lengths. I think she has and we’ve had her for a year now and have continued to learn about her, work with her quirks, and I think we’ve done that.
“The Sandown 1000 metres is going to suit her fresh. She’s that 1200 to 1400-metre type of horse, but she is electric first-up.
“If there is any horse suited in it at Sandown, it is certainly her and we’re glad it’s not at Moonee Valley.
“She’s not been there before, but she’s got a lovely big action on her, and she will eat up that ground up the rise.”
Having begun her career in Tasmania with Stuart Gandy, Geegees Mistruth has secured one win for Walker, along with four placings from her seven starts for the stable.
Gleeson noted the extensive efforts by the team, especially track rider Laura Winks, in helping Geegees Mistruth develop a calmer disposition.
“She’s a highly strung filly, but her track rider that has ridden her from day one when she came to us has done a lot of hard work with her,” Gleeson stated.
“She’s got her to relax. She’s happy, she’s eating us out of house and home, and is nearly one of the quietest horses in our stable now.”
Blake Shinn, who partnered Geegees Mistruth in her Caulfield Heath jump-out, will ride her on Saturday from barrier four.
Betting markets for the race are now open at leading Australian betting sites.
