Barrier draws not that kind for Quality
Barrier draws at Flemington and Morphettville haven’t been kind to the lightly raced Divine Quality.
The Robbie Griffiths-trained mare drew the outside barrier in both Saturday’s Listed Straight Six at Flemington and the Group Three Proud Miss Stakes at Morphettville.
That made the decision easier for Griffiths with Divine Quality scratched from her Morphettville race.
“We were favouring Adelaide because it was a mares race,” Griffiths said.
“Mares against mares is always a good formula.
“A lot of those mares are quite established and a lot of those mares that she ran against at Caulfield are all there.
“If I had drawn one to eight, I’d probably be there, but from 16 it will make life too difficult.
“So rather than waste an interstate trip we’ll stay at Flemington where she’s won before and hope some of the better runners are getting a bit tired and we’re fresh and on the way up.”
Griffiths was surprised at the depth of the race at Flemington but reasoned barrier 13 down the straight course was a better option than 16 at Morphettville.
Divine Quality finished second to Creativity on her return at Caulfield on April 28 a race Griffiths said didn’t pan out as expected with the mare caught wide.
Divine Quality has raced eight times, registering three wins and four minor placings and Griffiths is keen to obtain black type for the mare.
“She’s shown she’s good up the straight at Flemington so with a bit of luck she can get amongst the action,” Griffiths said.
“But it’s a tough race. I thought a few might have gone to Adelaide, but if she can sneak fourth, she ticks a box of getting some black type for her pedigree page.
“That’s what it’s all about for the females. She’s certainly got the ability so fingers crossed she can do it.”