Raging Golden Rose favourite Nechita will likely miss the Melbourne spring in favour of an autumn campaign next year.
Photo by Racing and Sports
Trainer John Thompson is has hinted he will spell his star filly after the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) at Randwick in early October, which would rule out a potential showdown with super colt Pierro in the Caulfield Guineas (1600m) the following weekend.
She'd also miss the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield on October 17, a race she was the early favourite for.
“The boss [Nathan Tinkler] wants to get her to the Thousand Guineas, but it's so hard to have them peaking twice in one campaign, and I would say she will probably go to the spelling paddock,” Thompson told TVN.
“I can't see us getting to Melbourne with her this time.”
Commanding Jewel is the new Thousand Guineas favourite with TAB Sportsbet, rated a $4 chance. Her three-quarter sister, the unbeaten Atlantic Jewel, won the race last year.
Dear Demi ($6) and Meidung ($10) are next in line.
Nechita meanwhile remains the $2.20 favourite for Saturday's $1m Golden Rose (1400m).
