Scone trainer Brett Cavanough has two goals for It’s Me this weekend – one on the track at Rosehill and one off it.
The 2020 Kosciuszko winner lines up in the group 2 Sheraco Stakes (1200m), but by then Cavanough hopes to secure slots for her and stablemate Fender in the next edition of the Kosciuszko.
It’s Me flys down the outside to win the 2020 Kosciuszko.Credit:Getty
“It is about winning a group 2 and getting a Kossi slot with her,” Cavanough said. “I don’t think we have to worry about one of those two things, but another is definitely a chance the way she is going.
“We want to get a deal done as quickly as possible, and I would like to get Fender in as well. Everyone has forgotten about him, but he is a very good 1200-to-1400m horse.
“I had a look at the Dubbo Cup with him, but I’m going to keep him fresh and anyone who picks him up for Kossi won’t be disappointed.”
Although now a six-year-old, It’s Me has been limited to eight starts. Her fifth win came at Eagle Farm at her return last month.
She has become a difficult mare to place after her Kosciuszko success, which has driven her rating into the 90s.
“We found a great race at set weights for her first up and as soon as she changed [lead] legs that race was over,” Cavanough said. “It was like another barrier trial for her, and she has kept improving.
“We have always thought she would get some black type, and, even though she is meeting some really good mares on the weekend, I think she has the best sprint in the race.
“The only thing with her is that we have to ride her back, so she has to chase down some pretty good ones. If she can win a race like this, the reward is big because she would worth a stack as a broodmare.”
It’s Me has been rated a $15 shot in the early markets, which have emerging sprinter Shades Of Rose as a $3.30 favourite in front of the Chris Waller-trained Espiona at $3.50 and Bella Nipotina at $8.
Bjorn Baker knows Shades Of Rose will have her work cut out from the outside draw of barrier 13, but he is not putting a cap on where she might finish.
“She has taken every step up when we have asked her this prep,” Baker said. “She answered the questions about her at 1200m last time in great style, and this is the right time to test against at stakes level.
“We know she is going to get better, but she might just be good enough now to match it in this company.”
