Sizzling Ace set for first win in Sires’
The Chris Waller-trained Zousain is one of the favourites for the BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes.
A better barrier and a longer distance are expected to give Sizzling Ace a chance to become the first maiden in 52 years to win the BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes.
Sizzling Ace came into contention for the Group Two Sires’ (1350m) and the Group One JJ Atkins (1600m) on June 9 with her last-start fourth in the Champagne Classic (1200m).
She came from several lengths last to finish fourth behind boom Sydney horse Zousain.
Trainer Toby Edmonds has a high opinion of Sizzling Ace who is a daughter of 2012 BRC Sires’-JJ Atkins double winner Sizzling.
“She has been giving them too big a start in shorter races from bad barriers,” Edmonds said.
“I am looking forward to her getting out over more ground from barrier one on Saturday.”
Sydney jockey Glyn Schofield has picked up the ride on Sizzling Ace.
The last maiden to win the Sires’ was Regal Adventure who caused a massive boilover when he beat star two-year-old Nebo Road in 1966.
Chris Waller’s stablemates Zousain and Lean Mean Machine have pleased in their lead-up to the Sires’.
Waller said he believed both were future top-grade horses and Saturday’s Group Two race was a good stepping stone.
Newcastle trainer Kris Lees also has high hopes for talented colt Graff after a maiden win at Rosehill and success at Hawkesbury.
“He’s a smart horse and I think he’ll hold himself at this level,” Lees said.
Graff will race in blinkers for the first time after losing focus at Hawkesbury heading into the straight.
“You can’t be doing that at this level, or around Doomben,” Lees said.