Trainer Nigel Blackiston has been pleased with the condition of Group 1 winner Suavito since her return from injury and has revealed a race like the 2016 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) will figure as the first point of call for the mare upon her autumn resumption.
Suavito will be set to return in a race like the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes during the 2016 Autumn Carnival. Photo: Adrienne Bicknell
Suavito undoubtedly returned to racing in career-best form through this year’s edition of the Autumn Carnival; charging home to win the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) first-up before repeating the dose in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) a fortnight later.
Having returned to the paddock after failing to handle the heavy conditions but still managing a credible seventh in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m), Suavito was unlucky to miss the Spring Carnival after requiring surgery to remove bone fragments but has returned to Blackiston’s Flemington stables a picture of health.
“She’s going very well – she has come back in great order,” Blackiston said told Racing Victoria.
“She had that lengthy spell through an injury. As far as injuries go it was a very small bone chip removed from her right knee and because of the length of time we had to give her after the operation she missed the spring.
“Looking at her it was probably the best thing because she had a good, strong campaign last year and a lengthy spell and this time she’s come back bigger and stronger.
“The way she is and knowing her attitude she has one of the great wills to win and she’s one of the toughest mares I’ve ever had to deal with.”
A proven first-up performer, Blackiston confirmed the daughter of Thorn Park will resume in a Group 1 feature race like the 2015 CF Orr Stakes before progressing to some of the Carnival’s major events.
“We’ll possibly look at similar sorts of races as last autumn – either the Orr or the Futurity Stakes she’ll kick off,” Blackiston continued.
“Then hopefully something like the Australian Cup or we’ll go up to Sydney for the Queen Of The Turf or Doncaster – those sorts of races.
“Damien Oliver’s got a lovely repour with her so he hopefully he’ll stay with her.”
Suavito has been a strong and consistent performer for Blackiston since first appearing on course competitively in 2013; posting a commendable seven wins and as many minors through only 18 starts.
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