Rather than chase a Stakes race victory in Adelaide, trainer Nick Ryan has decided to keep two of his mares in Melbourne for a lesser fillies and mares’ contest.
Belle Savoir and Cap De Joie were both acceptors in the Group 2 Queen Of The South Stakes (1600m) at Morphettville but they will instead line up against each other in the JRA Handicap (1600m) at Sandown on Saturday instead.
However, Ryan is planning a trip to Adelaide for the Listed Centaurea Stakes (2000m) at Morphettville on May 20 with the pair.
In making the decision to stay in Melbourne, Ryan said Saturday’s race suited both horses.
Belle Savoir will be having her third run back from a spell having been placed at both outings this campaign after spending an extended time on the sidelines following minor fetlock surgery.
The mare finished third first-up at Bendigo on April 1 before running third in the VOBIS Gold Distaff (1400m) at Sandown on April 15.
“I’ve been really happy with her two runs,” Ryan said.
“First-up at Bendigo off a long break and then last time at Sandown, she was ridden a bit upside down, but she stuck to her task really well.
“The step up to the mile on Saturday will really help and we’ll look to ride her a bit quieter.”
Ryan said Belle Savoir was quite a brilliant mare and that the race didn’t work out the way he and Luke Nolen had expected.
With Nolen heading to Adelaide on Saturday, apprentice Madison Lloyd will take the ride on Saturday.
Cap De Joie has won three of her nine starts with a further five placings and is regarded by Ryan as potentially his most promising horse.
After a win at Moonee Valley in March, Cap De Joie gave away too big a start when charging home late to finish second at Geelong on April 7.
“Geelong has been favouring leaders,” Ryan said.
“She was back in a slowly run race. You couldn’t be upset with the run. She hit the line super, but it was unfortunate she didn’t win.”
Ryan said Cap De joie was looking for 2000 metres and is looking forward to getting her to Adelaide.
“She’s a northern hemisphere-bred four-year-old so she’s really only three-and-a-half and could be a contender in the spring,” Ryan said.
“She’s one of my most promising horses, so I’ve got to look after her.”