Alex Rae is aware that his current outstanding form is unsustainable indefinitely, yet he is optimistic that the mare who initiated this successful period can help maintain it for a bit longer.
I’m Foxing is set to compete for her fourth consecutive win this Saturday in the $150,000 MRC Membership Made Of Moments 3YO Handicap over 1000 metres at Caulfield.
The daughter of I Am Immortal’s maiden triumph at Yarra Valley on March 24 was the catalyst for Rae’s impressive run of 13 winners from 45 runners. The young Cranbourne trainer is grateful for her timely appearance, alongside other promising gallopers like I’mateez and Loft Vega.
“It was a little unpleasant six months ago when we had a stack of ordinary horses and we were just trying to work our way through things and get to the city with some better quality horses,” Rae stated.
“To be fair, these horses have all bobbed up at a similar time, so it’s no surprise and there’s plenty of nice ones still to come through.
“We’ve just got to keep working hard and hopefully it keeps coming, because you know racing is a tough game.”
I’m Foxing faces her most challenging assignment this weekend, but Rae is not hesitant, given the dynamic nature of her recent performances.
She trailed the leader in her two-length win at Yarra Valley, before achieving commanding all-the-way victories at Pakenham and Caulfield Heath in her last two starts. Rae mentioned that while they initially focused on tempering her speed early in the campaign, he has since embraced it.
“We’re just letting her run,” he said.
“I was really trying to get her to switch off but it was working against and she was just becoming even more ferocious.
“At Caulfield when she won, we wanted her to be a little relaxed in the run but she led up quick horses that day and looked explosive.
“We’ll adopt the same tactics on Saturday and if they’re good enough to catch her, good on them.”
I’m Foxing has drawn barrier six for Saturday’s contest and will be ridden by Luke Cartwright, whose 1.5kg claim will reduce her weight to 54.5kg.
Saturday’s race is a heat for the Creswick Series, which culminates in a 1200m final at Flemington the following Saturday. However, Rae indicated that another Listed race is being considered if she performs well this weekend.
“She’d be very dubious at the six furlongs the way she’s racing at the moment, so if she was to run well we’d be thinking about the Lightning Stakes in Adelaide at the end of July.”
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