Alexander with two good Flemington chances
A filly who chased home subsequent Group One winner Egg Tart at her most recent start will be out to end her campaign on a winning note when she returns to Flemington.
Trainer Archie Alexander has early favourite Spanner Head in Saturday’s Winx Hall of Fame Trophy (1600m) after deciding against two Adelaide options in recent weeks.
After finishing second to the impressive Egg Tart over 1600m at Flemington on April 25, beaten convincingly but defeating the rest easily, Alexander decided against taking on the Chris Waller-trained filly again with Spanner Head in the Group One Australasian Oaks, which Egg Tart won.
He is convinced it was the right call.
The Ballarat trainer instead looked to last Saturday’s Listed Adelaide Guineas but scratched the filly because of a wide barrier, electing to wait for the suitable Flemington race.
“We knew we had this race up our sleeve,” Alexander said.
“We left it alone and just focused on this Saturday.
“Being a VOBIS horse, the money is nearly as good as the Guineas.
“She worked very well yesterday and we couldn’t fault her.
“She’s going as good as she ever has and likes Flemington having raced twice there for two seconds in good company.”
While Saturday’s race, planned to be Spanner Head’s final start before a break, doesn’t carry black-type status, Alexander isn’t concerned as he believes the filly will achieve that in time.
“She’s only three so we’ve got plenty of time to get black type,” he said.
Alexander also has import Fastnet Latina in Saturday’s Carbine Club Handicap (1600m), a benchmark 78.
Fastnet Latina worked through his grades winning his first four Australian starts before finishing second to Rhythm To Spare stepping up in class in a 1600m benchmark 90 at Caulfield last start.
Alexander confirmed Fastnet Latina has a gear change of blinkers on, for the four-year’s final start before a freshen up.
“We’re confident the blinkers have improved him,” Alexander said.
“It’s not often you go to Flemington with two really nice chances.
“Hopefully it’s a good day.”