John Sargent-trained filly Gin Martini is set to tackle Group 1 company ahead of schedule in Saturday’s Champagne Stakes at Randwick.

The daughter of Rip Van Winkle has caught her trainer by surprise with a brilliant first preparation which will culminate in a Group 1 start this weekend.

Gin Martini produced an eye-catching performance last start in the Group 3 Schweppervescence (1400m), charging from last to finish third at 60-1.

Sargent says Gin Martini is hitting her targets earlier than expected.

“I bought her for the Oaks in New Zealand and what she’s done now is a bonus,” he said.

“But obviously it’s a Group 1 race and the black type will be worth a lot for her in breeding down the line. She’ll go into the race with a good chance, I think.

“She’ll be at her peak next season. She’s still immature, but she’s shown she has the ability to mix it with the better two-year-olds and I think you’ll see that on Saturday.”

The two-year-old is bred to stay, with her sire a champion miler, and her dam a winner over 2100m.

With the 1600m of the Champagne Stakes ahead of them, Sargent says the rise in distance is favourable for the filly.

“It should be just nice for her now, out to a mile. She should be spot on,” she said.

“Brenton Avdulla galloped her on Tuesday morning over 1200 metres. She’ll go in (to the race) a very fit horse on Saturday and be right at her peak.

“She’ll be at her peak next season. She’s still immature, but she’s shown she has the ability to mix it with the better two-year-olds and I think you’ll see that on Saturday.”

With the daughter of Rip Van Winkle expected to improve into her three-year-old season, all paths lead to the spring.

Despite the filly’s immaturity, Sargent has still set his sights on contesting the VRC Oaks at Flemington during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

“She doesn’t really know what she’s doing. Brenton (Avdulla) even said that when he gallops her still,” he said.

“She’s learning and she seems to float a bit and then she gets down and realises what she’s got to do.

“I think what she does on Saturday she’ll still keep improving. She’ll go out for a nice break after Saturday and be prepared for Flemington.”

Gin Martini is currently rated an $8 chance for Saturday’s Champagne Stakes with tab.com.au.

Market : View the Odds for the Champagne Stakes

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au