Racing: It's no secret, Melbourne beckons

Royal Secret takes on the big guns in the Foxbridge. Picture / Glenn Jeffrey

John Sargent may not put himself through a more nerve-racking 85 seconds all season.

While not expected to threaten Seachange and Don't Ya Lovett in the Foxbridge Plate, there's still plenty at stake for Sargent and his comeback mare Royal Secret when she resumes tomorrow.

Firstly, his long-range Melbourne Cup hope needs to pull up fit - a tendon injury has kept her sidelined since winning the Hawkes Bay Cup two years ago.

But almost as vital as that is the 7-year-old mare showing she's still got the desire to be competitive.

"She's at that age now when you start to wonder if they've still got that killer instinct," said Sargent.

"But everything I've done with her at home suggests she has."

Fitness wise, Sargent says he has Royal Secret exactly where he wants her since his rugby mates, co-owners John and Graeme Thomson, transferred the exciting stayer to his stable earlier this year.

Formerly trained by Peter Harris at Woodville, Royal Secret was sent north to also be nearer to on-the-spot care by Matamata vet David Keenan, and regular access to a swimming pool.

But Sargent says Royal Secret has shown no signs of the leg trouble flaring.

And she's tightened up a treat since she led into the straight before weakening to fourth behind Darci Brahma in a recent Te Teko trial.

"Everything's going to plan - for a stayer she doesn't need a lot of long slow work."

Safely through tomorrow's return, Sargent will either back Royal Secret up in the Stone Bridge Stakes (1600m) at Hastings or step her up to a 2000m open event.

Her main mission in New Zealand en route to Melbourne is the Kelt Capital Stakes (2000m) at Hastings on October 7.

"But she'd have to win the Kelt or go close to warrant a start in the Melbourne Cup," said Sargent.

Meanwhile, Sargent is also looking forward to the return tomorrow of his promising 3-year-old Sands Of Time.

Sargent says the Sandtrap gelding is on trial for black type company when he resumes against maiden rivals over 1200m at Te Rapa.

"He was a bit shinny last season but has come back well.

"And if he gets a nice position behind the pace he'll be a chance."