Trainer Clinton McDonald isn’t buying into the notion that this year’s Golden Slipper is solely dominated by colts, as his filly Hayasugi continues to impress after her remarkable Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes victory last month.
Hayasugi, who was scheduled for a jump-out at Cranbourne, skipped the trial on Tuesday due to her outstanding performance in a previous workout.
McDonald expressed satisfaction with her progress and opted for further gallops later in the week before gearing up for Sydney.
Despite the hype surrounding unbeaten colts Storm Boy and Switzerland in the Slipper, McDonald remains undeterred, recalling past instances where similar scenarios played out.
He believes Hayasugi’s consistency and improvement make her a formidable contender, emphasizing her continual elevation to new heights after triumphing in the Blue Diamond series.