By Glenn Davis
Trainer Matt Kropp hopes to get a better idea of which path Spirit’s Choice will take to the Magic Millions in January when the mare tackles The Spirit Of Boom Classic at Doomben on Saturday.
Spirit’s Choice, a Matt McGillivray mount, will greatly boost her future broodmare value if she can claim the $125,000 Listed feature over 1200 metres.
The four-year-old daughter of Spirit Of Boom is having her first start back from a hit and run Melbourne trip where she finished eighth to the Michael Moroney-trained Tofane in the Group 3 Begonia Belle at Flemington on November 2.
Kropp blamed a heavy downpour prior to the race for contributing to Spirit’s Choice’s defeat.
“We had a bit of rain before the race and the track was a bit too greasy for her,” Kropp said.
“We only sent her down for the one race and she’s come back in great order.”
Kropp said he would have preferred another week for Spirit’s Choice to get over her run at Flemington but still expects her to be highly competitive after drawing barrier four.
“She’s got an ideal draw but I would have preferred another week for her to get over the trip back home,” he said.
“I’ll see how she goes whether we back off her after this race or give her another run before she aims for the Magic Millions.
“She could run in either the big QTIS race or the fillies and mares’ race on Magic Millions day and this race will help decide which way to go.”
Spirit’s Choice has already earned Black-Type status after placing in the Listed Mick Dittman Plate at Doomben in April but a win would greatly boost her broodmare value when she eventually goes to stud.
Spirit’s Choice has started 19 times for eight wins and three placings and has earned more than $305,000 in prizemoney.
Kropp also hopes to get a better idea whether Tears of Love and The Minivan can warrant a campaign to The Eagle Way Handicap (2000m) at Doomben on December 7.
Kropp won last year’s The Eagle Way with Trusty Lad but is not yet ready to put the pair in the same category as his former star three-year-old.
“Both look to be good middle distances hopes and we’ll see which one puts their hand up in this,” Kropp said.
“I’m pretty sure The Minivan will get the trip and Tears Of Love won his last start at Toowoomba and has won over the journey,” he said.
The Minivan has started only twice, both of 1200 metres, and was placed in Maiden company at his last start at Eagle Farm on November 5 while Tears Of Love won a Benchmark race over 1625 metres at Toowoomba on November 9.