Team Hawkes is hoping Estijaab can secure a spot in the 2018 Golden Slipper with a win in the Group 2 $300,000 Reisling Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Estijaab, above, is among the nominations for the 2018 Reisling Stakes at Randwick. Photo by Steve Hart.
Estijaab is currently nineteenth in the order of entry for the Group 1 $3.5m Longines Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on March 24 and a win on Saturday will guarantee the Snitzel filly a spot in the final sixteen horse field.
The Hawkes Racing Team of John, Michael and Wayne Hawkes, have also included I’m So Sweet and Nuclear Blitz among the twelve nominations for the Reisling Stakes.
With only twelve fillies nominated for one of the major Golden Slipper Stakes curtain raiser, the Australian Turf Club has extended the nomination deadline for the Reisling Stakes until 11am on Tuesday March 6 with the final acceptances due at 9am on Wednesday March 7.
Estijaab was a debut winner in a 1000m two year old Plate at Randwick on January 20 and then put up a very gutsy performance to run second to Sunlight, after having a tough run up on the pace, in the Group 2 $250,000 Silver Slipper Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill on February 24.
“She’s good and everyone has seen what she can do and hopefully she will show that on Saturday,” co-trainer Michael Hawkes told The Sydney Morning Herald.
The Lindsay Park Team of David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig also have multiple entries for the Reisling Stakes with Blue Diamond Stakes runner up Enbihaar and ninth placegetter Ennis Hill among the nominations.
Leading Brisbane trained Tony Gollan has nominated smart Queensland filly Outback Barbie who showed above average ability with a last start third to Sunlight in the $2m Magic Millions 2yo Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast on January 13.
The Spirit Of Boom filly also showed plenty of dash with a nine and a half lengths win in a 1000m Gold Coast barrier trial last Thursday.
Early betting at Ladbrokes.com.au for the Reisling Stakes has Estijaab installed as the $1.60 favourite ahead of Endihaar at $6 and Outback Barbie at $8.
Betting for the 2018 Reisling Stakes at Ladbrokes.com.au: $1.60 Estijaab, $6 Endihaar, $8 Outback Barbie, $11 Gongs, $15 Ennis Hill, Pure Elation, $21 Terminology, $31 I’m So Sweet, $51 Nuclear Blitz, Sister Sledge, $101 Dream Child, $201 Heavenly Thunder.
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