Divine Quality is likely to be giving many of her rivals a start but trainer Robbie Griffiths is hoping to see the mare unleash the finishing sprint he knows she can in the Group One TAB Classic at Morphettville.
Griffiths has a runner in both Group One races on Saturday’s program in Adelaide, with Collectable in the Australasian Oaks (2000m) while Divine Quality runs fresh from a let-up in the TAB Classic (1200m) for fillies and mares.
Divine Quality, who has not started since being unplaced in the Group One Newmarket Handicap in March, and Collectable have both drawn wide in their respective races but Griffiths is hoping that will not prove too much of a disadvantage.
“I don’t think the draw will affect Divine Quality so much because she likes to race back and have one crack at them anyway,” Griffiths said.
“So I think she will be OK.
“She worked really well on Tuesday morning and she is good fresh.”
Divine Quality’s best win came at her only start last spring when she unleashed a powerful finish from last in the Group Three Furphy Sprint (1200m) on the straight 1200m course at Flemington to win by 3-1/4-lengths.
Subsequent Oakleigh Plate winner Booker was second while last Saturday’s Group Two Victory Stakes winner I Am Excited was third.
“So I reckon if she brings her A-game she can certainly be competitive for sure,” Griffiths said.
Collectable was third to the Oaks favourite Princess Jenni over 1600m at Caulfield last Saturday week after winning a Sale maiden to start her preparation.
The filly was fourth in the Ethereal Stakes (2000m), won by Verry Elleegant, last spring before being unplaced in the VRC Oaks (2500m).
“She is a filly who is going to love the 2000 metres at Morphettville,” Griffiths said.
“She has drawn poorly in 18 but she does have a relaxed style early so I think she’s probably going to get out the back anyway and she can run really well from there.
“There’s no easy Group One races and there’s a lot of good fillies in this, but I think she is on the up and I think I can make a case for her.”