Flemington’s Dom Sutton sees ample merit in Classic Gem’s freshman efforts to chase Black Type targets anew, nevertheless opting to ease the bar lower for her to register that opening victory.
On Saturday, this three-year-old by Maurice will strive to break her maiden at her base track.
A $170,000 Inglis Premier yearling purchase, shifted from Wendy Kelly’s stable, Classic Gem joined Sutton’s group after fourth in the prior Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m), and her three races this term have seen her no worse than fifth.
She posted second early in Group 3 Alexandra Stakes (1600m), fifth in Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m), and fourth subsequently in Group 1 ATC Oaks (2400m).
The trainer is satisfied with the deal but craves the thrill of her winning.
“I think she’s already added value to what we paid for her,” Sutton said.
“Half the job is done, we just need her to go and win a race now.
“She’s multiple Stakes-placed, she’s run fourth in two Oaks and ran second in a Group 3 first-up for us down here.
“I think she can win a Listed race, but if she can win any race she’s going to be valuable as a broodmare.”
Sutton pondered the $300,000 Listed Andrew Ramsden (2800m) this weekend at Flemington yet settled on the 2000m three-year-old option same day.
With a 78 rating, Classic Gem was next best behind Different Gravy (80) in the 35 entries for it.
Her post-April 11 ATC Oaks comeback features a May 1 Werribee 1100m jumpout second, and Sutton highlights favorable factors this time.
“We did have her in (last weekend) over in Adelaide but after the trip to Sydney, where she had the back-up into the Oaks up there, I think putting her on a truck and travelling her again probably wasn’t the right move,” Sutton said.
“So, we just kept her home. She’s had five weeks between runs, freshened up well and I like her at Flemington. I think Flemington is a lot better track for her than Morphettville.”
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