Return to The Valley to suit Loving Gaby
Loving Gaby will try to turn the tables on Bivouac when they meet at The Valley in the William Reid.
David Eustace hopes a return to racing at The Valley will lead to Loving Gaby recording an overdue autumn Group One victory.
Loving Gaby runs in Melbourne’s final Group One race of the season, the William Reid Stakes (1200m) on Friday night.
The three-year-old filly has recorded Group One placings in her only two starts this campaign, on top of three placings and a win at the highest level last year.
First-up Loving Gaby finished third to Gytrash in the Lightning Stakes (1000m) on February 15 before running 2-1/2 lengths second to Bivouac in the Newmarket Handicap (1200m) on March 7.
Both those races were on Flemington’s straight course.
Loving Gaby’s Group One victory came in the Manikato Stakes at The Valley in spring in which Bivouac ran sixth.
Eustace, who trains Loving Gaby in partnership with Ciaron Maher, is looking forward to the return contest with Bivouac.
“Sometimes people target the William Reid thinking it might be a slightly lesser Group One,” Eustace said.
“But I don’t think it will be this year. It should be a good race.”
Eustace says Loving Gaby has come through her Newmarket defeat well and is a filly who enjoys her racing.
“We were delighted with her run,” Eustace said.
“She relishes racing and you would be happy to run her every two weeks for a long time and she would keep on showing up.”
Eustace said Loving Gaby would gallop at The Valley on Monday morning for further experience at the track.
Joining Loving Gaby at The Valley on Monday will be stablemate Bons Away and the Godolphin-owned Bivouac.
Eustace is confident Loving Gaby can again have Bivouac’s measure at The Valley.
“Arguably he was unlucky but we think she is slightly better around a bend and maybe he is better down the straight,” Eustace said.
“We’ll see how we go on Friday but we’re confident we can turn the tables.”