By Ray Hickson
Trainer Richard Litt had no hesitation taking talented mare Essonne back to the races so quickly at Warwick Farm on Wednesday after what was to be her major aim for the preparation.
Put simply, that race — the Polytrack Provincial-Midway Championships Final — was a non-event for Essonne.
Essonne was never in the hunt during Spangler’s Provincial Championships final win at Randwick earlier this month.Credit: Getty
After winning the first qualifying heat at Kembla Grange in February, Litt put the mare on ice for the final but luck deserted her once she got to the top of the straight and she finished 10th behind Spangler.
“She just got held up at a vital time and was taken out of the race,” Litt said.
“She didn’t have much of a blow, just had a bit of a canter around really. That’s racing.
“I couldn’t be happier with her, she’s pulled up extremely well and that’s what has pushed me to give her a quick turnaround.”
Trainer Richard Litt.Credit: Getty
Essonne takes her place in the Schweppes Handicap (1300m) at Warwick Farm and Litt said the race appears a good opportunity for her to get back on top.
“I think she looks pretty well suited in that race,” he said.
“She’s got Joao Moreira on, she’s drawn well and is well weighted.
“The track is drying out every minute, which is always a positive for her, and she’s only got to walk across the road.
“You don’t have to ride her too far forward, she’s got a good turn of foot. Just switch her off and be patient and she should run really well.”
Given the four-year-old had that six-week break going to The Championships, Litt said there is a stakes race on the horizon for her if she performs to expectations.
“We’ve earmarked a listed race in Brisbane in a few weeks so that could be a possibility but it’s important to get through this run,” he said.
The penny hasn’t dropped with three-year-old Decimus as yet but Litt sees a future for the lightly raced galloper who steps up in trip in the TAB Handicap (1600m).
“He should be able to roll forward and be nice and close, he should run really well,” he said.
“I like him as a horse but he’s probably six months away.”
Supplied by Racing NSW
