Mandy earns crack at Roses

TRAINER Maryann Thexton is keen to back up today’s Gold Coast winner Precious Mandy in next Saturday’s Group 3 The Roses (2000m) at Doomben.
Precious Mandy ($3.70) handled her first test beyond 1600m when she finished strongly to edge out New Zealand visitor Largo Da Barra ($7) by a short-head in the Battle Of The Coral Sea Cup Benchmark 80 Hcp (1800m). Grand Homme ($8) was two lengths away third.
 Thexton had been keen to tackle last Saturday’s Gold Coast Bracelet at the Prime Minister’s Cup meeting but the filly was balloted out.
“The Bracelet was always our plan for her but she didn’t make it into the field and we’ve had to alter our plans just a little and run in this race here today,’’ said Thexton.
“But if she comes through today’s race okay and I’m happy with her next Friday then she’ll run in The Roses – provided she isn’t balloted out again.
“But with today’s win I think she should make the field this time.
“We don’t know how far she’ll get, but the one thing in her favour is she relaxes in her races.
“She’s done a good job today as a three-year-old filly taking on older, more seasoned horses.’’
Precious Mandy, by Mossman out of the Belong To Me mare My Precious, has now won three of her 11 starts.
Story: Neil Archer
Photo; Trackside Photography Pty Ltd