Probabeel could line up in the Gr.1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) in two weeks time photo credit: Trish Dunell

Champagne option for Probabeel

Te Akau trainer Jamie Richards is pleased with the way both Probabeel (Gr.1 Sires’, 1400m) and In A Twinkling (Gr.1 Australian Derby, 2400m) have come through their respective runs for fifth in Sydney on Saturday and consideration will be given to whether the former presses on this campaign. 

“They ran very well and seemed to have pulled up fine and ate well Saturday night and again on Sunday night,” Richards said. 

“It’s so competitive over here and I thought they ran as well as they could on slow footing that didn’t suit either of them. 

“In A Twinkling will definitely head home for a break at Te Akau Stud, and we will just wait and see what happens with regards Probabeel. 

“We will tick her over quietly this week, but the way the weather looks they might get a good track for this Saturday and more rain forecast the following week ahead of the Champagne Stakes (Gr.1, 1600m) on the 20^th. 

“So a decision is yet to be made, but we will tick her over and keep an eye on the weather. 

“She really does need better ground. On Saturday she was flat a long way out and never travelled on the bridle amongst horses, but I thought it was a good run for fifth after being under pressure so far from home before finishing off well.”

A winner of three of her six career starts, Probabeel was beaten less than two lengths on Saturday and the daughter of Savabeel would no doubt relish better ground and a step up in distance.