Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Classic Gem Flemington plans have been reset, with trainer Dom Sutton sending the Maurice-sired three-year-old back to maiden grade this Saturday in search of her first win.
The filly has already shown enough in Black Type company to earn more Stakes targets, but Sutton wants a victory beside her name after a strong start to life in his stable.
The Flemington assignment comes during a busy racing week that also includes Matt Coxall’s Ascot selections and Westbound best bet, while official race updates are available through Racing Victoria.
Sutton Keeps Ambition Measured
Classic Gem was first trained by Wendy Kelly after being bought for $170,000 at Inglis Premier as a yearling.
She later joined Sutton and his team after finishing fourth in last season’s Group 1 VRC Oaks over 2500 metres.
Her three starts this campaign have all been sound, with a second in the Group 3 Alexandra Stakes, a fifth in the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes and a fourth in the Group 1 ATC Oaks.
Sutton believes the filly has already repaid faith, but still wants the simple reward of a win.
“I think she’s already added value to what we paid for her,” Sutton said.
“Half the job is done, we just need her to go and win a race now.
“She’s multiple Stakes-placed, she’s run fourth in two Oaks and ran second in a Group 3 first-up for us down here.
“I think she can win a Listed race, but if she can win any race she’s going to be valuable as a broodmare.”
Flemington Preferred Over Travel
Sutton considered the $300,000 Listed Andrew Ramsden over 2800 metres at Flemington, but has instead chosen a 2000-metre three-year-old race.
Classic Gem has not raced since the ATC Oaks on April 11, though she kept fitness with an 1100-metre Werribee jumpout on May 1.
“We did have her in (last weekend) over in Adelaide but after the trip to Sydney, where she had the back-up into the Oaks up there, I think putting her on a truck and travelling her again probably wasn’t the right move,” Sutton said.