Thorndon Mile target for La Crique

Group One winner La Crique has returned to Simon and Katrina Alexander’s barn ahead of further Group One targets later in summer.

The daughter of Vadamos had a pleasing spring preparation in New Zealand, placing in the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) and winning the Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m).

She then travelled across the Tasman for her first taste of Australian racing, and her conditioners were happy with her fourth-placed run in the Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington last month.

“She was right in it until the last 50m and I couldn’t have been happier with her. Flemington can catch horses out that first time,” Katrina Alexander told RSN.

“Maybe in hindsight the 2000m might have suited her better at that stage of her prep, but I was a little bit conscious that we might not get the work into her and the mile might be better.”

Alexander is looking forward to giving La Crique a light summer prep, with the Queensland Winter Carnival another possibility next year, prior to a return to Melbourne.

“She has come into work now with an idea of getting to the Thorndon Mile (Gr.1, 1600m),” Alexander said.

“There is possibly another race (Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes, 2000m) three weeks after that for a short prep for now.

“If, for any reason, we don’t make that race in New Zealand then Brisbane is on the cards for a lighter prep for a bit more experience. Then we can make some really strong plans for the spring.”