Syndicate shakes it up
GIN Martini could give James Moss and his Tricolours Syndications their first Group 1 win when she contests the Moet & Chandon Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Randwick today.
Moss formed his syndications business only four years ago but Tricolours, named as an acknowledgment of his late father’s favourite footy team, the Sydney Roosters, is emerging as a powerful new force in Sydney racing.
Tricolours almost had its first Group 1 winner at this meeting 12 months ago when its top mare Fasika ran third to Tofane in the All Aged Stakes.
Fasika’s brilliant return in the Group 2 Sapphire Stakes last week has given Moss cause for optimism on the eve of Gin Martini’s Champagne Stakes quest.
Gin Martini is still a maiden after three starts but her mere presence in today’s Group 1 race is indicative of her natural ability as it was not the intention of Moss or trainer John Sargent to race her at all this season.
“We bought this filly to try and win an Oaks and we only paid $40,000 for her,’’ Moss said.
“This filly’s pedigree suggests to us she will get 2000m-plus and we thought she wouldn’t see the races as a two-year-old.
“But from the moment she had her first gallop she showed us plenty and ‘Sarge’ has been excited by her prospects.’’
Gin Martini has placed at her past two starts, most recently a fast-finishing third to Saif in the Group 3 Baillieu Handicap (1400m) to earn her Champagne Stakes start.
“We are confident she will run 1600m,’’ Moss said.
“She has improved dramatically with every run and if she can improve again she will be highly competitive.’’
Moss said the Joe Pridetrained Fasika has pulled up well after her win last week and was likely to race in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1200m) on May 15.
“There is a month to the 10,000 so she will have a tick over trial then go up there with Eduardo,’’ Moss said.
“If she is competitive at weight-for-age against Nature Strip and Eduardo, then we will look at the Stradbroke where she is better placed at the weights.’’
Moss said the ownership group was now considering whether to extend Fasika’s race career for another season, having been resigned to retiring her before last week.