Image: Bruno Cannatelli
Smart planning is key to the rise of Vespertine
Determining the right races at this time of year is nothing new but a coach’s task list, but Grahame Begg’s transition strategy came across with Vespertine in the Amanda Checken Handicap (Standard 70). , 1100m) at Caulfield.
Towards the far end of the field when going straight, Vespertine ($5) with a 3kg apprentice claims Logan Mcneil on the fly home to win Comica ($10) and Prize Winner ($7). ).
“I am very happy,” said Begg from the Gold Coast.
“We knew it was an inappropriate race to enter.
“We had a wish to get her running straight back to Flemington last week because (the weather) was too hot.
“We canceled that plan and still had yesterday’s return option over 1100 meters which is probably not ideal for her but she was very good at the weights and she was in a good position in race.
“It all went very well.”
While Begg switched between courses and Saturdays, the win also continued apprentice Logan McNeil’s fun weekends in town.
Begg said: ‘It was a no-brainer to lose three kilos for her and he executed the plan so well.
The four-year-old mare’s record of three consistent wins and four 11th finishes begins with a particular fondness for Caulfield.
But despite the richer options, Begg isn’t swayed to jump into the equity race again with Vespertine too soon.
He hopes the strategic plan will be implemented again on February 5.
“There was another track and field race in Caulfield over 1,400 metres,” he said.
“She’s the winner at track and distance, it’s benchmark 78, we’ll claim it again and she’ll hit the limit.”
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