Fillies’ Classic step-up awaiting Sudbina

Sudbina will contest the Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North)

By Jess de Lautour, LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

Kingsclere Stables couldn’t have won last year’s Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m) more convincingly with Prowess, and have a chance to go back-to-back on Saturday with Sudbina.

The recently retired Prowess won the 2000m feature by five lengths, an effortless performance that may be tough to emulate for her younger former stablemate, although a last start victory at Trentham in the Gr.3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) suggested Sudbina is swiftly improving.

The daughter of Almanzor will line-up in a star-studded Group Two event under regular hoop Kozzi Asano, benefitting from the ace draw, alongside a left-handed track, having never finished outside of the top two in four attempts that way of going.

Robert Wellwood, who trains the filly in partnership with Roger James, was pleased with her step-up to the mile at Trentham, but is mindful of the middle-distance task ahead.

“We didn’t know what to expect stepping up to the mile last time, but she ticked that box very well and was strong through the line,” he said.

“The big question is obviously stepping up to 2000m on Saturday. We’re pretty much just sitting and waiting to see really.”

Sudbina currently lies a $4.80 TAB Fixed Odds second-favourite for the Fillies Classic, splitting classy duo Molly Bloom ($3.60) and Mary Shan ($6.00).

Meanwhile, Wellwood confirmed star filly Orchestral will appear next Saturday in the Gr.2 Eagle Technology Avondale Guineas (2100m), three weeks post earning Kingsclere their second $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) in successive years.

“She’s very well, she came through her last race well and we’re looking forward to seeing her over further. We certainly think it will suit,” he said.

“She’ll head to the Avondale Guineas next Saturday, and then we’ll make a decision whether she heads to the Derby (Gr.1, 2400m) or the Bonecrusher (Gr.1, 2000m). At this stage, we’re probably thinking the Derby.” - LOVERACING.NZ News Desk