Taking on the likes of Tropical Squall and Amelia’s Jewel in the Golden Pendant is Plan B for Adrian Knox Stakes winner Good Banter, with connections hoping she can kick of her spring campaign on a softer note.
The mare is safely in the field for Saturday’s Group 2, 1400m feature, but co-trainer Tom Charlton says their first preference is the Irresistible Pools and Spa Handicap (1400m) for which she is second emergency.
“We put a last-minute acceptance in for the Golden Pendant because it looked like she was going to be an emergency in the (benchmark) 88,” Charlton said.
“It is very much our preference to run in the 88, but it’s also very important she has a run this weekend.
“It’s the softer option for sure, that Golden Pendant is like a Group One.”
A field of eight was accepted for the Golden Pendant (1400m) with multiple Group 1 placegetter Semana and promising mares Makarena and Arctic Glamour adding depth to the line-up.
Good Banter underlined her promise in the autumn with a decision over subsequent ATC Australian Oaks winner Autumn Angel in the Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) and Charlton said she did so on raw ability.
“Physically, she has been a shell of a filly and has always been going to get better with time,” he said.
“Even when she won the Adrian Knox, she was just not there yet. I definitely expect her to have a really good four-year-old season.
“Ideally, she might be one to head to an Angst (Stakes) on Everest day and maybe a Matriarch (Stakes) beyond there.”
The stable will have at least one runner in the benchmark race with Charlton confirming Premise will take her place despite drawing wide in barrier 15.
“She goes on a similar path, all being well, so she needs to run this weekend,” Charlton said.
“The barrier has dictated her chances a bit and she’s probably not at her best if we get wet ground.
“But when she gets circumstances go her way, she is capable of running well in some black-type races.”