Brad Widdup says everything is on track for the return of progressive mare Icebath (NZ) (Sacred Falls), who tackles the Gr.3 Triscay Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.
Icebath, who was just pipped in a thriller by Collette in the $7.5 million Golden Eagle at her final spring outing, will kick off her autumn campaign in the Group Three mares event over 1200 metres on Saturday.
Widdup said everything had been “pretty straightforward” with the mare’s preparation, including two recent trials, and he was expecting her to give a good account first up.
“The mare has had a good preparation and everything’s going to plan so far,” Widdup said.
“She didn’t have a big let-up but she’s put on 20 kilograms and looks really well.”
Widdup said Icebath had worked well during the week on the Hawkesbury track, which has been in terrific order after undergoing some major work and renovations during the race club’s traditional summer break.
Icebath finished third behind the smart Hawkes Racing-trained Written Beauty in her latest trial and that filly resumed with a commanding win at Randwick last weekend.
Widdup’s charge was ridden by Kerrin McEvoy in both trials but the three-time Melbourne Cup-winning jockey is booked to partner the Godolphin-trained race favourite Tailleur.
Irish apprentice Tom Sherry, who produced a fearless ride on the mare in the Golden Eagle, will again be in the saddle on Saturday.
Connections have high hopes for the daughter of dual Doncaster Mile winner Sacred Falls and she has been nominated for the Group One Doncaster, Coolmore Legacy and the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
“She’s not far off this level and if she can stay safe and sound I think she can be competitive,” Widdup said.
Icebath, who is $7.50 with TAB fixed-odds for the Triscay Stakes, has a win and two seconds from four previous first-up runs, which include a narrow second over 1200 metres at Randwick last campaign.
