BIG HOPE FOR TOBY
BID FOR GROUP 1 GLORY
LEADING trainer Toby Edmonds says an increase in distance and an ability to handle a wet track has Sizzling Ace in the hunt to deliver his first Group 1 win.
The Gold Coast trainer has confirmed Sydney jockey Glyn Schofield, who rode Sizzling Ace to third in the Group 2 BRC Sires Produce Stakes (1350m) at Doomben on May 26, will be in the saddle for Saturday’s J.J. Atkins Plate (1600m) at Doomben.
Edmonds saw all he needed to in Sizzling Ace’s last run to convince him the maiden twoyear-old could take it up to the Chris Waller-trained duo Lean Mean Machine and Zousain, who edged out his filly in a tight finish last start.
“The colts (Lean Mean Machine and Zousain) will be hard to beat and Chris Waller’s other one (The Autumn Sun) that won in Sydney (on May 26),” Edmonds said.
“She can handle the wet as well so we are confident if we get a wet track we will be able to get through that no problem.
“Her last run was good. She hasn’t begun that well in races this preparation and began well and put herself just forward of midfield and she was strong to the line.
“(Lean Mean Machine) came from behind her to beat her which is fine but it probably cost us running second because it shifted out and she baulked at it for a little bit.
“She was making ground again late so we think the 1600m will suit her. She is ready to go.”
Edmonds said Sizzling Ace, a daughter of 2012 Sires Produce-J.J. Atkins double winner Sizzling, had improved again following her last run and had come into her own at the right time.
“She has been working up to the mile so we’re chuffed she finally got there,” Edmonds said.
“She has just got fitter and fitter. We always thought she would come into her own when she got out to the journey and it was a good run the other day.
“We think going out another 200m on Saturday should be really good for her.”