Cuddles has stable all warm and fuzzy
SYDNEY trainer Bjorn Baker has given the thumbsup for Champagne Cuddles to start her Queensland carnival at the Gold Coast on Saturday week after the filly scored a comfortable barrier trial win at Canterbury.
Ridden by James McDonald, the three-year-old hit the line 2½ lengths clear of her nearest rival in the 900m hitout yesterday to indicate she was ready to resume racing after missing the Sydney autumn carnival.
“That was excellent. James was very happy when he got off her,” Baker said.
Champagne Cuddles last raced in the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) at Randwick in September when she ran second to Alizee.
Godolphin filly Alizee also consigned Champagne Cuddles to runner-up status in the Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) while Trapeze Artist blocked her path to a Group 1 win when she led the chasers home in the Golden Rose (1400m).
Trapeze Artist has gone on to win the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes and All Aged Stakes while Alizee claimed the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf during the autumn carnival.
“She had three tough runs in three weeks and the form from the spring worked out really well,” Baker said.
Champagne Cuddles , who had a barrier trial at Gosford on April 10, will open her Queensland campaign in the Group 3 Gold Coast Guineas (1200m) on Saturday week.
Premier Sydney trainer Chris Waller has up to a dozen horses earmarked to go to his Gold Coast stable for the winter carnival.
Leading the way will be last year’s Queensland Oaks winner Egg Tart, Packer Plate winner Higher Ground and the Doncaster Mile runner-up Comin’ Through.
Waller’s Coast manager Paul Shailer said the stable was keen to play a major hand in the winter carnival.
“We have had some good results in Group 1 races this season and are keen to add to that tally,” he said.