3 minute read
There’s no limit to the heights talented mare I Am Me could reach this spring and co-trainer David Eustace says Saturday’s Group 2 $300,000 Toyota Forklifts Missile Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill is a great starting point.
The five-year-old had her first taste of Group 1 company at the end of her summer campaign, finishing midfield in the Oakleigh Plate, and Eustace is adamant it won't be her last shot at the top level.
She's currently $51 in TAB Everest betting and though that's a long way off there are slots up for grabs for an in-form horse in the right place at the right time.
"It's hard to know until they step out in their first couple of runs,'' Eustace said.
"She's obviously Group class and hopefully Group 1 class.
"I don't think you can be sure of that until she gets her chance over the next couple of months but this is a good test for her."
I Am Me, $3.20 with TAB on Friday, showed her readiness for the Missile with two trial wins and Eustace, who co-trains with Ciaron Maher, said with 54kg and barrier one she's expected to go close.
"She's a quality mare isn't she, she showed that last prep and the prep before so we look forward to her kicking off,'' he said.
"Everyone's been really happy with her, she's trialled up well and we'll see how she performs."
Eustace expects jockey Tim Clark to make some use of barrier one but isn't keen on getting into a speed battle with early favourite Big Parade.
"If Big Parade races how he trials you're not going to be leading him up but she's also shown plenty of toe,'' he said.
No Way Ever makes her Sydney debut in the Elite Sand & Soil Handicap (1200m) and Eustace said the five-year-old can make her presence felt.
She resumed with a closing fourth over 1000m at Flemington three weeks ago but her regular pattern is to race much closer to the speed.
"Her run at Flemington was quite good. She missed the start which is unusual for her but her closing sectionals were quite good,'' he said.
"I'd like to think she can be closer so hopefully she steps a bit better."
Stayer United Nations will appreciate stepping into his comfort zone in the Schweppes Handicap (2400m) after an Australian debut that Eustace said was better than a pass mark.
The ex-Aidan O'Brien five-year-old was beaten under four lengths by Bold Mac in an 1800m event three weeks ago where he warmed up at the finish.
James Mcdonald rides on Saturday and he's lumped with 63kg.
"His run the other day had plenty of merit,'' Eustace said.
"He hasn't had a lot of racing. He's Group class at his best and we've been very happy with how he's trialled up for a horse who clearly wants a mile and a half.
"He'll run better again getting out to that trip and will be better fitness wise."
