Matt Laurie is under no illusions about the challenge ahead for Treasurethe Moment as she resumes in the Memsie Stakes at Caulfield.
The mare has an imposing record, winning nine of her 11 starts, and will step up to face seasoned older horses for the first time in Saturday’s 1400m Group 1 clash.
Her remarkable streak of eight consecutive victories included four during her impressive autumn preparation, when she campaigned solely against fillies.
Laurie took encouragement from the effort of fellow four-year-old Aeliana, who pushed Via Sistina in the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) last weekend at Randwick.
“We feel she’s come back really well,” Laurie said.
“She’s here and she’s ready, but I’m still mindful that she is not four until November, so she’s very much racing as a three-year-old filly.
“It’s bit more of a challenge for her to prove it again against older stock, but she’s a wonderful horse and it would be hard to see her not picking up something along the way.
“She’s shown nothing but class and I think we can assume she’s going to measure up, whether that’s over the seven (furlongs, 1400m) we’ll find out, but certainly over a bit of ground.
“She’s had two big, solid preparations getting out over some good ground, but she’s sharp and she’s keen and enjoying her work and we’re really looking forward for what is ahead.”
With rain forecast in Melbourne, Laurie is cautious about conditions.
“I think she’s a lot happier on top of the ground,” he said.
“She’s got that skimming action and can quicken up really well, whereas a softer surface can take that away from a horse.
“You can’t control the weather, so we’ll have to kick off.”
Laurie has mapped out her spring to include the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington, followed by the Turnbull Stakes (2000m), before a decision is made on tackling the Cox Plate (2040m) or the Caulfield Cup (2400m).
Despite her Oaks wins at 2400m and 2500m, Laurie remains open-minded about her ideal distance.
“She was a stayer as a three-year-old and could win over seven (furlongs, 1400m),” Laurie said.
“I would be very excited to tackle an eight-furlong (1600m) race at Flemington. It’s a beautiful track for her the way she likes to gallop, and she can get ten (2000m).
“All that remains to be seen is what her pet distance is. The beauty of her is we can front up to a variety of different ranges and be competitive.”
The Memsie has attracted 11 acceptors, with Treasurethe Moment drawing barrier one under Damian Lane. The race also features Chris Waller’s Fangirl and Buckaroo, alongside Ciaron Maher’s duo Another Wil and Zardozi.
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