DANCE SPACE
TRAINER Troy Corstens is hoping a wide draw and Flemington’s open space will be the winning recipe for Zou Dancer in Saturday’s Let’s Elope Stakes.
Stablemate The Astrologist will also jump as one of the favourites in the Bobbie Lewis Quality at Headquarters as the locally-owned pair eye Group 1 glory this spring.
Corstens said the Bennett Racing pair had benefited from a gap between runs.
“Astro’s had a little bit of a break in between — so has (Zou Dancer) actually,” Corstens said.
“I think it will suit them both. Zou Dancer’s not a mare that carries too much excess weight so the space in between runs is going to help her.
“Back to Flemington I think’s going to be the real key for her. I think she’s drawn out but it probably suits her. I think she likes to get out, she needs a bit of room.
“She’s not a big horse but she’s got a big stride on her. That should suit her.
“Astro, obviously it’s a much better field than he’s been facing, but really pleased with him. He’s shown no signs whatsoever that he’s come to the end of his prep or trained off. Really happy going into it.”
This is Zou Dancer’s toughest race in what will be her ninth start but she is proven over both the track (two wins from three attempts) and 1400m (two wins from two).
“I just really think she loves Flemington so much,” Corstens said.
“She’s got such a big stride on her. Get her to the outside and I’m sure she’ll be running on very strongly.
“A lot of these mares in this will be going for Group 1 riches but so are we.
“You’d love to see her in the (Empire Rose Stakes) on Derby day. That would be ideal.”
This will be The Astrologist’s fourth consecutive start up the Flemington straight – a track and distance he has relished.
He was superb in his allthe-way win in the Aurie’s Star last month and also claimed the Listed All Victorian Sprint Series Final in early July.
In between he was half-alength third in the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes.
“He’s had a fantastic winter and early spring. I think he’s probably in the form of his life to be honest,” Corstens said.
“He’s going really good. He just needs to show if he’s up to that level now.
“We think he is, but until you see them do it, you don’t like to predict things.”