3 minute read
Mare out to better her record before going under the hammer
Trainer John Thompson is reverting to a proven formula with dual Group 3 winner Sweet Deal (Casino Prince), who returns to her favoured distance in the Hawkesbury Crown (Gr 3, 1300m) on Saturday.
In a quest to capture a Group 1 win, connections aimed the daughter of Casino Prince (Flying Spur) at the Coolmore Classic (Gr 1, 1500m) but the 1500 metres proved a bridge too far.
Thompson was quick to regroup and after freshening Sweet Deal, the mare produced an eye-catching last-start performance to finish fourth in the Sapphire Stakes (Gr 2, 1200m) on April 17.
Her trainer believes the extra 100 metres of Saturday's Group 3 race sets up perfectly, as Sweet Deal prepares to go under the hammer at next month's Inglis Chairman's Sale.
"We were trying to get the Group 1, so we ran her in a couple of those 1500s but it's just not her go, it's too far," Thompson said.
"She is probably 1100 to 1400 max. That's her range.
"She was lost for speed the other day because she was 1500 back to 12 but up to 1300 for her next run should suit.
"She's thriving and she looks fantastic."
