Trainer Kelly Schweida has revealed a race like the Group 1 Myer Classic (1600m) will figure as the major spring target for Miss Cover Girl, after the talented mare stormed home to win the Tattersall’s Tiara at Eagle Farm over the weekend.
Miss Cover Girl will likely be set for an appearance in the Group 1 Myer Classic when she resumes in spring. Photo: Daniel Costello
Miss Cover Girl was rated little chance of success in the Tattersall’s Tiara, but took advantage of an ideal position in transit and good tempo in the race’s dying stages; withstanding a late charge from clear favourite Azkadellia to record her maiden win at the highest level of racing.
Understandably thrilled with the result, Schweida told Racing Ahead he will map out a path through the 2016 Melbourne Spring Carnival for his stable star, which will likely peak with a run in the Group 1 Myer Classic (1600m) on Derby Derby.
“The obvious one’s the Myer Classic,” Schweida said.
“Will she run a mile? I trained her mother, she won over a mile. I might have even run her over 1800m.
“There’s a lot of good fillies racing around the country that are better performed than her, but three months down the track… you’ve only got to turn up on the day.
“Wet or dry, she can handle it, so I would think the Myer Classic, the Magic Millions… and maybe the autumn next year in Sydney. She’s a sound mare.”
Schweida will look to extend the filly’s affiliation with Damian Browne through the Spring Carnival after the veteran hoop delivered a gem of a ride on the daughter of Monashee Mountain to win the Tattersall’s Tiara.
“He goes to another level, that Damian, doesn’t he?” Schweida said.
“It was like he was driving a car – he was letting her go through the gears.
“You would’ve thought he hadn’t hit the top gear at the 200m mark, he was quiet on her and in the good part of the track.
“He’s an unusual jockey. He doesn’t seem as if he’s going hard on them, but my wife said she was giving her all for him. Super ride.”
Miss Cover Girl has been a strong and consistent performer for Schweida through her entire racing career so far; posting eight wins and a further seven minors through twenty-six competitive appearances since debuting in 2014.
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