Aqua D’ivina may get Magic chance
Matthew Smith will contemplate running Aqua D’ivina in next week’s Magic Millions, but admits there is a big question mark whether the filly can handle backing up from her impressive win at Royal Randwick yesterday.
The trainer has 48 hours to decide if he will chase a spot in the A$2 million Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas or opt to aim his promising three-year-old towards the autumn carnival.
‘‘It might be a bit soon for her in terms of her preparation and 1400m up there on a tight track, it might not suit her,’’ Smith said. ‘‘I will have a chat with [the owners]. They will make the final decision I would say.’’
Smith admitted he didn’t think his A$150,000 Magic Millions purchase was the kind of filly who could handle a short back-up.
Aqua D’ivina is an $11 chance for the three-year-old feature after easily accounting for her rivals in the A$100,000, ATC Owners Benefit Card Benchmark 76 Handicap (1400m).
Blake Shinn looked to have pinched the race on Peter and Paul Snowden’s Island Missile ($3.10) when he stole a two-length break in the straight. Shinn had softened up race favourite Scream Park ($2.80) on speed and easily went past Chris Waller’s hot commodity when the pressure went on. Just when the race looked to be his to lose, Aqua D’ivina ($3.10) emerged from the pack.
Jockey Jason Collett got hard at work on Smith’s daughter of Pierro and rounded up the leader with plenty of time to spare.
She finished a half length clear at the post, with Barbeque ($7.50) 13⁄4 lengths away in third.
‘‘It was good the last 50m, there is no worries about that,’’ Smith said. ‘‘She has got a bit of stamina I would say with the way she hit the line late. I can’t wait to see her over a mile.’’
Collett agreed that Aqua D’ivina would continue to improve with age and over more ground.
‘‘He has given her time so far and it has been good for her,’’ he Collett said. ‘‘Even more time will be good. She has got a frame but is still quite narrow. In time hopefully she can fill out a bit more.’’
Smith ranks Aqua D’ivina among the best fillies in his stable.
‘‘There is nothing between her and Touch Of Mink and there hasn’t been at any stage,’’ he said. ‘‘We have always had a high opinion of the two of them and we are thinking we either have to average ones or two good ones. She has always rated really high.’’
Smith tested Touch Of Mink in a Group II at Moonee Valley during the Spring Carnival and plans to target the Australian Oaks with the filly later this year. Aqua D’ivina is destined to be tested in similar grade.
Meanwhile, Scream Park is still destined for a trip across the Tasman to contest the Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m) despite fading to finish outside of the placings.
‘‘Hugh [Bowman] said don’t be disappointed. Straight after the race he was happy enough,’’ trainer Chris Waller said. ‘‘He is a very good judge and based on that I think we will still look at that way but I will discuss it with the owners.’’