Learning experience looms for Gwenneth
While the focus falls on Derby day at Flemington, veteran Victorian trainer Max Hinton has taken Gwenneth in the opposite direction for her Sydney debut at Rosehill.
The Mornington horseman reckons the time is right to send the four-year-old on her first interstate trip after identifying the $100,000 Blacktown Workers Handicap (1100m) on Saturday’s program.
Hinton, who trains in partnership with Mitchell Beer, said they had considered running Gwenneth next Thursday at Flemington on VRC Oaks day but the Listed MSS Security Sprint (1200m) looked beyond her.
“That was an option but she’s lightly raced so we looked at Rosehill,” Hinton said.
“She’s weighted right and it’s a good opportunity for a trip away to race in a restricted mares race for good money.”
Gwenneth will carry 53kg after Rachel King’s 1.5kg claim.
The duo’s last runner in Sydney was Jacqui’s Joy who finished fifth over 1600 metres at Randwick in January.
Hinton’s association with the city goes further back with one of his fondest memories Top Dance’s victory in the 1990 Emancipation Stakes at Randwick.
He is confident Gwenneth will also develop into a successful mare and add to her three career wins from 10 starts.
“She started off as a fractious sort of filly and she’s developed into a lovely mare now. A trip at this part of her life will be good for her,” Hinton said.
Gwenneth was a $14 chance with the TAB on Friday, while the Les Bridge-trained Slow Burn led the market at $2.80.
Hinton said he had only one concern as Gwenneth prepares to race for the first time in the Sydney direction from barrier nine.
“Our biggest obstacle is her going that way round. Even though she seems to have adapted to it in her work here it’s always a bit different under pressure of racing,” Hinton said.
Gwenneth will remain in Sydney for a short let-up and then return home to race through the summer.