Trainer Mark Webb will weigh up an interstate option against a start in the Group One Oakleigh Plate with speedy mare Johannapine after her dashing win at Caulfield.
Webb is lifting his sights with the four-year-old after she posted her third victory in four starts leading throughout to land Saturday’s Shadwell Farm Kentucky (USA) Handicap (1100m).
He said the Group Two Breeders Classic (1200m) for mares at Warwick Farm on February 18 was an alternative to the Group One Oakleigh Plate (1100m) on February 25.
“The Oakleigh Plate has been in the back our heads a little bit but there is also the race in Sydney to consider,” Webb said.
“You prefer to stay at home because when you travel you upset the routine in the stable and the horses but she (Johannapine) does handle the wet tracks beautifully and Sydney is copping a lot of rain.”
Johannapine suffered her only defeat last start when she resumed at Flemington on January 14 and charged home too late to catch Ravenous Miss.
She was entered against unbeaten champion Black Caviar for last week’s Group Two Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley but Webb was happy to hold her over a week for Saturday’s easier assignment.
Ridden by Dwayne Dunn, Johannapine scored by 1-3/4 lengths from Star Of Giselle and Silkstone Special after burning off Teen Spirit who tried to go with her before tiring to finish a distant fourth.
“We thought she would win today so long as she didn’t get held up,” Webb said.
“Dwayne took the initiative which was good to see but she is still a bit green.
“She was having a look around and got a bit lost in front but to her credit knuckled down and has done the job.”
AAP TURF
