Estriella to bypass Sydney, set for Adelaide Group 1 tilt
Following her triumph in last Saturday’s Listed Sunlight Classic (1100m), Estriella will forgo the Group 2 Arrowfield 3YO Sprint (1200m) at Randwick on April 13, opting instead for a direct entry into elite-level competition at the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville on April 27.
Ciaron Maher, the filly’s trainer, disclosed the strategic decision to Racing.com, stating, “I had a chat to (owner) Kevin (Payne) post-Saturday.
“The timing, we do space her runs a little bit. South Australia have bolstered prize-money a little bit as well.
“Two weeks and travel for the Arrowfield is probably a fraction tight for her. Probably a bit more likely (that we head to) the Sangster in Adelaide.”
Estriella’s commanding performance in the Sunlight Classic propelled her to favoritism for the Arrowfield Sprint, with trainer Maher commending her progression, remarking, “She’s very progressive.
“She gets better with each run. You have to manage her action, even still, we are spacing her runs.
“She trains at Fingal and when she’s in Sydney she trains on the beach there. The improvement she is making with every start, it’s pretty scary. Her best asset is she’s pretty well rounded.”