Tough Sandown work for The Housemaid
Archie Alexander has picked out a strong midweek race at Sandown to test The Housemaid.
A midweek restricted race at Sandown will give trainer Archie Alexander a spring guide to lightly raced filly The Housemaid.
A nomination for October’s Thousand Guineas at Caulfield, The Housemaid will line up in The Grand Hotel Frankston Handicap (1300m) on Wednesday.
The Housemaid goes into the race off a win on the synthetic track at Pakenham over 1400m last month which came after a third to subsequent city winner Artie Dee Two at Geelong in June.
Alexander says the heavy track conditions on Wednesday will suit The Housemaid although the filly is coming back in distance since her last start victory.
“It’s a pretty tough race,” Alexander said.
“There’s 16 in it and probably 10 have a real good winning chance.
“Her win last time was pretty good and we felt she deserves to take her chance.
“Normally I would have liked it to be 1400 metres, but it’s only 100 metres shorter and then we’ll be stepping her up to 1400 and a mile afterwards.
“That’s where her future lies.”
Alexander describes The Housemaid as a gutsy individual who always gives her best and believes that will hold her in good stead.
Even though it’s more than three weeks since The Housemaid broke her maiden status, Alexander says the filly has held her form.
He said her performance on Wednesday would determine whether the Thousand Guineas was a realistic target.
“She’d have to win or go close to think about the Guineas but I thought she was worth the nomination,” Alexander said.
“She’s the sort of horse that can get away with a 1300 or 1400 race but I think in time a mile is her go.”
With Alexander saying The Housemaid will appreciate getting up to at least 1600m a start in the VRC Oaks over 2500m at Flemington hasn’t been ruled.
“We can aim high and always come back,” he said.
“For the moment she’s done everything right and she tries really hard.
“She might not be the best filly in the race but she will always give her best.”