Sydney Remains On The Agenda For Probabeel

Jamie Richards says a Sydney autumn campaign is still on the table for Epsom Handicap winner Probabeel, although the $5 million All-Star Mile is her immediate target.

There was speculation the mare would campaign exclusively in Melbourne but Richards said that was not necessarily the case.

“We haven’t ruled out Sydney but we’re going to get ready for the All-Star first,” Richards said.

“She will probably run in the Geoffrey Bellmaine on the sixth (of February) and then maybe in the Futurity.”

Probabeel will continue her build up in a 1000m barrier trial at Geelong on Thursday in a heat that will also feature Toorak Handicap winner Mr Quickie.

Te Akau Racing continues to enjoy an outstanding season and on Saturday claimed its fifth consecutive win in the Karaka Million with On The Bubbles.

The unbeaten youngster led home a first-four for the stable when he defeated Sneaky Shark, Avonallo and Sophisticardo.

On The Bubbles is likely to have two more starts in New Zealand and Richards said they “will keep an open mind” on bringing him to Sydney for one of the feature juvenile races.

“He has really turned the corner since we gelded him and he’s turned into a really good racehorse,” Richards said.

“He will have a week in the paddock and then we’ll make a call on what we’re going to do with him.”

Filly Kahma Lass is already in Sydney, making her first local appearance in a tough trial at Rosehill on Wednesday when she finished eighth to Nature Strip.

A Group One winner of the New Zealand 1000 Guineas, Kahma Lass will be set on a traditional fillies’ path encompassing the Light Fingers and Surround Stakes.

Richards won the Surround last year with Probabeel and said Kahma Lass compared favourably with her stablemate.

“They’re not too dissimilar. They’ve got a pretty good record, both of them,” Richards said.

“Probabeel has probably got a bit more size and scope but Kahma Lass has done a good job on the track so we’ll see how we get on.

“She’s got a lovely attitude and we’re really happy with her.”

Richards was unsure how many other horses might join his Australian team this autumn and said they were still largely hamstrung by the strict COVID-19 travel restrictions on staff.

“We will just see how it all comes together. It’s just so frustrating that nobody can travel,” he said.