Cinsault has hit top form and possesses live claims of claiming a maiden Group 1 triumph in Saturday’s Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill, though she will have a different hoop to all of her previous four wins this preparation.
Leading jockey Tim Clark was engaged in favour of Chad Schofield with the expectation the Brazen Beau four-year-old would carry a lower burden than 55kg.
However, she will carry that amount again, the same borne when she saluted in the Group 2 Millie Fox (1300m) at Rosehill three weeks ago.
“She’s a mare in form, she’s going terrific,” said Clark, who won back-to-back Coolmores with Con Te Partiro and Krone in 2020 and 2021.
“It’s a step up again, out in distance a little bit further, but she beat Lazzura fair and square last start. She’s drawn a nice gate again Saturday, so it’s hard to write her off because she’s going so well.”
While Cinsault is a $9.50 chance, the James McDonald-ridden Lazzura disputes favouritism with Savvy Hallie at $5 apiece.
Michael Freedman, who trains the bay, has an asterisk about Cinsault’s ability to cover the unknown journey but is keen to find out if she can handle the rise.
“She’s won over 1400 two starts back, so she’s pretty versatile,” Freedman said.
“The 1500m is obviously new territory, but she’s very genuine. I can’t guarantee she will run 1500m, but she does give every indication she will.
“She now sits at a 103 rating and she’s a Group 2 winner, so she’s done amazingly well this prep and pleasantly surprised most of us.”
Freedman also prepares Manaal ($9.50), who has finished second in lead-up events the Triscay (1200m) and Guy Walter (1400m).
“Both times she’s been giving plenty of weight away to her opposition,” he said.
“I think first-up she was giving four and five kilos to just about everything around her, and last start something similar.
“I think it’s probably tighter in the weights this time around, and we’ve made a slight adjustment putting the winkers on her. She’s never had any head gear before, so I just wanted to make a subtle change at this stage of her career to see if it just can find that little bit extra.
“When you’re carrying those weights, it’s always advantageous to have a little bit of cover, which she’ll be able to find from that draw (two) on Saturday.”
+ Leap To Fame ($2.30f) faces new and old foes in the Group 1 Miracle Mile at Menangle on Saturday night, squaring off against speedy mare Captains Mistress ($3.70) and older half-brother Swayzee ($4.60).
https://thewest.com.au/sport/horse-racing/cinsault-looks-to-continue-blazing-campaign-in-group-1-coolmore-classic-at-rosehill-c-21932976
