Adrian Bott is confident English’s first campaign in Melbourne a year ago has set the foundation for a much-improved spring showing.
The mare has her first run since sixth in the $10 million Everest in the Group One Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Friday night, while the Darley Classic is also on her schedule.
English tackled the same two-race program as a four-year-old and co-trainer Bott says she is now in a better physical and mental state.
“Physically she’s strengthened up a lot but the biggest improvement is we’ve seen her really mature mentally.
“Having had that experience of travelling before has her in really good stead, she’s a lot more capable of handling a preparation away from Sydney now,” Bott said.
English dead-heated for seventh in last year’s Manikato, just two lengths behind the winner, Rebel Dane.
However, she struggled in the Group One Darley over the same trip a fortnight later down the straight at Flemington.
Bott, who trains in partnership with Gai Waterhouse, said English had recovered well from the Everest and he expected her to maintain her form through to the Darley Classic on November 11.
“The Everest didn’t take anything out of here, it didn’t knock her around so she’s bounced out of that and her work has been pleasing,” Bott said.
