Swats That out for Group 1 glory at The Valley
It is just shy of 12 months since Swats That made an emphatic winning debut at Bendigo that in turn led her to contesting some of Melbourne’s big Group 1 sprints.
The Leon and Troy Corstens-trained filly will be lining up for her fourth successive Group 1 outing when she runs in the William Reid Stakes (1200m) at The Valley on Friday night.
Swats That is one of two three-year-old fillies in this year’s field of 14 and like her nemesis September Run is coming off three Group 1 straight track appearances at Flemington.
The pair met in the Coolmore Stud Stakes with Swats that finishing second to September Run last November.
They met again in the Lightning Stakes with September Run leading home Swats That, running second and third respectively, behind Nature Strip before Swats that led home September Run, fifth and tenth respectively, in the Newmarket Handicap on March 6.
While September Run took the opportunity of having a gallop at The Valley on Monday, Troy Corstens said there was no need for Swats That to head there, explaining she was a winner at the track.
“I thought her run in the Newmarket was good as she was in the wrong part of the track,” Corstens said.
“I would love to see her get a bit of cover which she has been able to do in her two runs this preparation and if we do it should make a lot of difference.”
Swats That should get cover having drawn barrier four.
She will also be reunited with John Allen who has ridden the filly in her three wins from eight starts.
“No Group 1 is ever easy, but I’m really pleased with her and I’m looking forward to seeing how she goes,” he said.