‘All Silent’ may have a rival for the title of stable star this weekend, as ‘Palacio De Cristal’ aims for her first Group 1 victory in tomorrows Coolmore Classic at Rosehill.
Palacio De Cristal returned from a successful summer campaign with a fast-finishing third to Danleigh and Rangirangdoo in the Group Two Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill. After being scratched a fortnight ago from the Group 1 Chipping Norton, the daughter of ‘Encosta De Lago’ sharpened up for the Coolmore with a soft trial win last Friday.
A notorious slow starter, she has missed the kick in 10 of her 17 starts, Trainer Graham Begg believes she just needs the right luck in running to win a race of this quality.
“She needs good to firm ground to do her best, so one of those days she might get the right conditions and the right speed in the race. Begg added, “She relishes being ridden quietly and given a bit of room to move.â€
Drawn perfectly in barrier 9, it seems that indeed only bad luck could defeat her. After developing quite a good relationship with the mare, including winning the Group 2 Villiers over the summer, Jockey Peter Wells will again take the ride.
Palacio De Cristal is currently rated as a $7 chance for the Coolmore Classic.
Written by Isaac Chaplin
