Trainer Bjorn Baker is taking a softly, softly approach with staying mare She’s Ideel, who will kick off her autumn in the Apollo Stakes at Randwick.
The six-year-old was responsible for an outstanding first-up run in the spring when she flashed home for third behind Mo’Unga and Verry Elleegant in the Winx Stakes over the Apollo course and distance.
But in hindsight, Baker believes her performance might have been too good as while she won the Kingston Town Stakes two starts later, her subsequent form tapered off.
She’s Ideel will meet a similarly strong field in Saturday’s Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) with Melbourne Cup winner Verry Elleegant, Kolding, Hungry Heart and Think It Over also likely to use the race as a campaign starting point.
While Baker is hoping to see a bold return from his mare, he is mindful of keeping something in the tank.
“It’s going to be a tough race and really, she probably ran too well last time first-up, so we will just see what happens and hope for the best,” Baker said.
“She is going well and we’ve got plenty of options with her.
“More than likely we will stick to Sydney. Maybe (we will look at) the Australian Cup and then back up to Sydney, we will weigh it up.”
Regular partner Jason Collett has been booked to ride She’s Ideel, who put the finishing touches to her preparation with a barrier trial at Warwick Farm last Friday.
It was her second trial after she finished last to Lost And Running in her first hitout when she was squeezed out at the start, and she stretched out nicely to finish fifth to stakes-winning Victorian filly Zouzarella in her latest heat.
Baker confirmed Belluci Babe would be nominated for the Group 3 Triscay Stakes (1200m) after her solid fourth to stablemate Overpass in the Expressway Stakes (1200m) last month with Josh Parr to ride.
The Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) will also be a highlight of Saturday’s program and will feature the return of exciting filly Espiona.