It wasn’t perfect, but Amphitrite looks well on track for a strong run in next month’s Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m).
The former Darren Weir turned David Hayes trained three-year-old was too good during Saturday’s The Vanity (1400m) at Flemington, enjoying a gun ride from jockey Craig Williams to win in thrilling fashion.
Amphitrite has firmed onto the second line of betting with Ladbrokes ahead of next month’s All-Star Mile. Photo Credit: Ultimate Racing Photos.
Normally known for getting back and running on, Williams chose to stay on the speed in the early stages of the race, a smart decision as the pair ran on to challenge fellow stablemate Fundamentalist down the straight.
At the 200m mark Williams was all hands and heels as he danced through a gap to hit the line strongly. Fundamentalist, the $3.40 favourite, looked home for all money, but failed to kick on finishing third behind another of Weir’s former runner, Verry Elleegant.
Williams credited Amphitrite’s strong first-up run to Weir, but also went on to say the horse is in tip-top condition as she looks to earn a spot in next month’s $5 million All-Star Mile (1600m).
“She’s first-up today, but credit has to go to her previous trainer, she got really well managed from a maiden to a benchmark grade, to a Group 2, to a Group 1, she just took the right steps last preparation, she wasn’t killed and now they’ve got a finished product now” Williams said.
“She actually would’ve jumped really well, but she banged her gates coming up, so she couldn’t be as close as we thought she might be, but just showed her strength and versatility and we’re looking forward to the Autumn with her.”
Amphitrite has firmed from $8.00 into $5.00 for the Guineas and $17.00 into $8.00 for the All-Star Mile. Hayes’ only hope now is that All-Star Mile voters are paying attention on Guineas day as his promising young filly looks to win her second Group 1 race.
“She couldn’t have been more impressive could she?” Hayes said after the race.
“She arrived in great order from the Weir stable, and luckily we could hold her form and she’s headed to the All-Star Mile now, so hopefully she gets enough votes to get in via the Guineas, so it’s an exciting month for her.”
Full All-Star Mile Odds:
