WELLINGTON - Hill of Grace, one of the early fancies for the Caulfield Cup, leaves for Melbourne next week but trainer Robert Priscott is uncertain when she will have her first start.
The mare and stablemate Sequel, who both ran at the Cambridge trials on Wednesday, will be flown to Australia on Monday rather than beginning their spring campaigns in New Zealand.
Sequel, third in the group two Armanasco Stakes (1600m) in a brief Melbourne campaign last summer, is down to resume in the Rivette Handicap (1400m) at Caulfield on Sunday week.
She was placed in an open 1200-metre trial at Cambridge on Wednesday and Priscott said he was satisfied with the run.
"It was fair without being spectacular but conditions were difficult and both horses had a good blow after their runs."
Priscott added: "They are both doing well and I can't see any reason not to proceed with Melbourne plans."
Hill of Grace is not as forward as Sequel and Priscott has not set a date for her season opener in Melbourne.
"If it wasn't for the fact that she and Sequel are good mates, she probably wouldn't be going over quite so soon.
"I'm not sure where she will begin her campaign but I do know I'd like her to end up in the Caulfield Cup on October 21."
The Zabeel mare earned $1.4 million in her classic season and is on the fourth line of early Caulfield Cup betting.
She had four starts over 2400 metres at three, finishing second in the New Zealand Derby and New Zealand Oaks and fifth in the Australian Derby and AJC Oaks.
She became a group one winner by taking the Ansett Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill in April, a month after winning the $A1 million Moonee Valley Oaks (2040m).
Hill of Grace and Sequel will join stablemate Winged Foot who is already in Melbourne.
The 3-year-old Maroof colt, who was flown to Australia on Monday, will have his first outing in the $A100,000 Vain Stakes (1200m) at Sandown on Saturday with Brett Prebble in the saddle. Winged Foot has not raced since winning the Ellerslie Sires' Produce on a wet track on April 29.
- NZPA
Racing: Hill Of Grace kicks off Caulfield Cup campaign
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.