Words by Ray Thomas, Punters.com.au
Trainer John Sargent and Tricolours Syndications supremo James Moss are joining forces with Gin Martini as they chase a third win in the Group 3 $200,000 Belle of the Turf Stakes (1600m) at Gosford on Wednesday.
Sargent has already prepared Tinkermosa (2019) and Cathay Lady (2013) to win the feature Gosford fillies and mares race.
Moss established his racehorse syndications business only five years ago and his Tricolours have been worn by the riders of Belle of the Turf Stakes winners Threeood (2020) and Pecans (2017).
Cathay Lady (black and yellow) gave John Sargent his first win in the Belle of the Turf Stakes at Gosford in 2013.
It seems both men know what is required to win the Gosford race which suggests Gin Martini could be ready to make her own piece of racing history.
Gin Martini, winless after five starts, is attempting to become the first maiden to win the Belle of the Turf Stakes, and the first three-year-old filly to achieve the feat this century.
TAB Fixed Odds price assessors have Gin Martini at generous odds of $12 in betting behind dominant $1.90 favourite Brookspire from the Chris Waller stable.
Gin Martini was stakes placed in the G3 Baillieu Handicap (third behind Saif and Converge) last season but missed the spring carnival with a minor knee injury.
But Sargent is confident Gin Martini will be very competitive after her good first-up second to Too Much Lippy at Gosford five weeks ago.
“Gin Martini was having her first start since April and she needed the run,” Sargent said.
“She got home well which is what I wanted to see because the distance (1350m) was a little short for her.
“The 1600m on Wednesday is more suitable and although she is a maiden going into a Group race, she will run well. We have a good opinion of this filly and are aiming her at the (ATC Australian) Oaks in the autumn.”
Sargent is banking on Gin Martini’s continuing his stable’s winning momentum through December that has included successive Randwick wins by the promising Pecuniary Interest.
After missing the start by six lengths, Pecuniary Interest produced an extraordinary effort to win a Midway over 1600m then he backed up on Boxing Day and overcame another slow getaway to score with authority at 2000m.
Pecuniary Interest has been impressive winning both runs back from a spell at Randwick. Picture: Grant Guy
“Pecuniary Interest had a good spell after winter and that was just what he needed because he has returned a different horse with his two wins this month,” Sargent said.
“He was still slow out of the barriers on Sunday but nothing like last time. Hugh (Bowman) always felt that in the running the horse was travelling like a winner.
“In the straight it was just a matter of getting the breaks and when he got out, he showed a good turn of foot.”
Sargent hasn’t ruled out testing Pecuniary Interest at stakes level next start in the Listed $150,000 January Cup (2000m) at Rosehill Gardens on January 8.
“He’s a promising horse so we will look at the January Cup in two weeks,” Sargent said.
“If he needs a bit longer between runs there is a (benchmark) 78 at Rosehill the week later.”
Sargent also revealed stable star Four Moves Ahead is back in work and progressing well in preparation for a Sydney autumn campaign.
Classy three-year-old filly Four Moves Ahead won the G2 Tea Rose Stakes then was spelled after finishing sixth to Never Been Kissed in the G1 Flight Stakes during the Sydney spring carnival.
“She’s had a good spell, she looks stronger and is in great order,” Sargent said.
“Our plan is to get her ready for the Light Fingers Stakes (Royal Randwick, February 12) and then into the Surround Stakes (Randwick, February 26). We hope to get a Group 1 win.”
Original Source: https://www.punters.com.au/news/gosford-preview-gin-martini-ready-to-cause-a-minor-upset-in-belle-of-the-turf-stakes-20211228/
