Annavisto retraces the steps for crack at Sydney Group 1 Double

Key to Coolmore Classic favorite Annavisto chasing Saturday’s Rosehill Group 1 for mares was a change to the Melbourne Autumn programme.

The Reliable Man five-year-old won the Tressady Stakes last year when they were held in March, prompting trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent jnr to program a campaign in Sydney that resulted in Annavisto finishing fourth in the Emancipation Stakes and was shut down late by Nimalee in Queen Of The Turf.

“They moved the Tressady a few weeks back and that meant the two Group 1 races in Sydney fitted perfectly into their schedule,” said Kent. “We really liked that because we think she is a Group 1 mare. She showed that in last year’s Queen Of The Turf and we’re getting two cracks this year.

“She’s getting a chance at the Coolmore on the same three week break she had last year and then we can go to Queen Of The Turf for four weeks, which is fitting because she’s sensationally fresh.”

Annavisto was not seen again until 2022 after the Queen Of The Turf led when she started as a favorite in the Tatts Tiara and was weakened late to be beaten by seven lengths. She missed spring after suffering a nasty foot abscess while spelling in wet conditions, but came back by coming away again by 3½ lengths in the Tressady Stakes, known this year as the Tony Bourke Memorial.

“We decided she was too valuable to rush through campaigning and gave her a good break and we were rewarded,” Kent said. “She came back stronger and a better mare and she was dynamic first in the Tressady at Flemington. It was probably a better win than their win last year. She really put them away.

“She’s going to get good ground instead of last year’s wet tracks, which will help because although she takes the heavy, she’s a free-ranging mare.

“The only thing that went wrong was the draw for the visitors on Saturday [of gate 16]. When that came through, there were a few choice words in the office because she’s doing really well.”

Price and Kent have booked Nash Rawiller as the partnership seeks their eighth Group 1 success and even with the big draw tomorrow, plans won’t change. Annavisto will be ridden positively and use her speed and the 1500m should be perfect for her.