Trainer’s pass mark for Mystic Journey
UNDAUNTED by P.B. Lawrence Stakes failure, trainer Adam Trinder’s faith in Mystic Journey remains unshakeable ahead of a tilt at the first Group 1 contest of the season, the $750,000 Memsie Stakes on August 29.
The Australian Guineas and All-Star Mile winner finished eighth, 4½ lengths behind Savatiano off a torrid run at Caulfield on Saturday, prompting Trinder to give the mare a “pass” mark.
“We don’t make excuses but there were factors there,” he said.
“Although it was just a (soft) 6 and you shouldn’t make excuses there, she wasn’t comfortable on that with the tempo of the race.
“She was wide and deep. The barrier was key and it didn’t work out for us.
“She’s came through the run well. Her temperature is fine, she had a nice roll this morning (Sunday) and, as things stand now, she’ll head to the Memsie in two weeks time. It was a pass mark for me.”
Mystic Journey could again cross swords with several Lawrence Stakes combatants as well as Spring Stakes winner Behemoth, who will be ridden by Craig Williams, in the Memsie.
West Australian trainer Grant Williams hopes Arcadia Queen (fifth) and Regal Power (eighth) will benefit from moderate first-up runs heading to the Memsie.
“Disappointing, first thoughts,” Williams said of the stablemates.
“But just watching the replay both just pulled far too hard. We had to come a month early and we didn’t get the trials into them that I would’ve liked.
“Regal Power had one and Arcadia Queen went into it without one.
“Her effort (Arcadia Queen) was really good when you look at it. Damien (Oliver) thought she was still going OK on the line.
“Regal Power was wide, never really settled. He could benefit through this.”
Godolphin’s Savatiano is $5 favourite in Ladbrokes’ market for the Memsie ahead of the Williams-trained Showmanship, who is expected to head to a Listed race instead of tackling Group 1 opposition.
I’ll speak to (owner) Bob (Peters). He does all the programming,” Williams said.
“We’ll see how he pulls up. We’ve got plans for him but things are a bit up in the air at the moment.
“We can go to a Listed race next. We want to put him out there a bit.”