3 minute read

Classy Hawkesbury mare Spright will have a new Melbourne rider when she chases that elusive first Group 1 win at Caulfield on Saturday.

Trainer Garry Frazer has confirmed Michael Walker’s booking for Spright in the $500,000 Oakleigh Plate (1100m), replacing Damien Oliver.

“Damien was keen to stay with the mare after riding her in Melbourne last spring but would not be able to make her weight,” Frazer said.

“I contacted Racing Victoria’s senior handicapper Greg Carpenter and found out that Spright would get around 53kg.

“As a Group 1 placegetter at weight-for-age she comes in nicely with that weight.”

Walker has never ridden for Frazer previously. He will get the feel of Spright in a course proper gallop at Caulfield on Tuesday morning.

Frazer normally stables at Flemington, but has shifted camp to Caulfield as his mare has never raced at the Oakleigh Plate venue.

Spright was floated to Melbourne last Thursday night and is in the care of Frazer’s son Jordan, who has looked after her in earlier interstate trips to Melbourne and Brisbane.

The Hinchinbrook five-year-old looms as a definite chance on Saturday, going on her excellent Melbourne spring performances and two recent barrier trials.

Spright flew home when a first-up third to Viddora in the G1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley on September 28, then again hit the line well when fourth to Brave Smash in the G1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at the same track on October 26.

Spright ended her spring campaign with a solid seventh to Santa Ana Lane in the G1 VRC Classic (1200m) at the Melbourne Cup carnival at Flemington on November 10.

Since resuming work, Spright has trialled twice over 1000m at Rosehill.

She beat Cool Passion and Winx on January 29 before finishing third to Zousain and I Am Serious last Monday.