TRAINER Mick Price’s chances of winning his third Group One SAJC Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) soared after the Vinery part-owned mare Dubleanny came away to win today’s VRC Mrs Mac’s Beef Pies Plate (1100m) with ease.
The daughter of Dubleo was sent out as the $1.80 favourite first-up since placing second in the Listed MRC Kevin Heffernan Stakes (1300m) at Sandown-Hillside in the spring behind flying filly Avenue.
This afternoon’s victory takes Dubleanny’s record to 6 wins and 3 seconds from 10 starts and sent her earnings to over $340,000 highlighted by a stakes win in the VRC A.R. Creswick Stakes (1200m).
”I think it is always a good sign when they come back and give you a good first-up performance,” Price said.
”She will be spot-on in three weeks (for the Robert Sangster Stakes).”
The Sangster has been a good race for Price the last two years with him winning it with the Vinery owned Bel Mer in 2009 while Velocitea ran second to Rostova (Testa Rossa) a year ago.
Dubleanny has won six of her 11 starts including the Listed Creswick Stakes at Flemington in June and was Group Two-placed when second to Set For Fame in the Caulfield Sprint last spring.
Price said that with maturity Dubleanny was more settled this campaign and was ready to step up to the top class.
”She’s had a good prep and I think she is up to it,” Price said.
”She can be a little bit highly strung but her temperament this time in has been fantastic.”
