The Lindsey Park trained Fuhryk has remained steady in the betting for the Group 1 $1m Crown Perth-Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot in Perth on Saturday.
Damien Oliver will ride Fuhryk, above, in the 2017 Winterbottom Stakes at Ascot. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.
Fuhryk is currently rated as a $10 chance after drawing barrier nine in the Winterbottom Stakes field that has been reduced to twelve runners following the early scratching of The River.
Co-trainer Tom Dabernig, who trains in partnership with David and Ben Hayes, has reported that Fuhryk has settled in well in Perth and has pleased the stable with her lead up work.
“She has arrived there safe and well and her work has been excellent leading into the race,” Dabnernig said.
“Back to the sprint distance and I think she has a really good chance.”
Fuhryk has been freshened up coming back to 1200m after running ninth last start over 1400m in the Group 3 $200,000 The Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day.
At her previous start the Star Witness mare was able to score an impressive win in the Listed $120,000 Carlton Draught Alinghi Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on October 21.
Damien Oliver is taking over the reins from Craig Williams and is looking forward to a big performance from the stakes winning mare.
“I’m hearing she’s freshened up well since her spring campaign, so if that’s the case, on her best form, you would give her a good chance in this race,” Oliver told racing.com.
“I think on her best form she’s capable – she just probably hasn’t had a lot go right for her this preparation, a few interrupted runs and the like.
“We know what she’s capable of at her best, and if she performs at that level over in Perth, I’m sure she’s going to run a big race.”
“All things even, if Fuhryk’s there at her best and gets a nice run in the race, I’m sure she’s going to be more than competitive.”
Star local sprinter State Solicitor heads the betting for the Winterbottom Stakes at $2.90 with Ladbrokes.com.au ahead of the smart Adelaide mare Viddora at $4.20 and another local Rock Magic at $6.