Conditions suit Ghisoni in G2 Sapphire Stakes

The classy filly Ghisoni will be out to prove herself ready for her first full-scale campaign in almost two years when she runs in the G2 Sapphire Stakes at Randwick on Saturday, 14 April.

While Ghisoni last raced in December when she ran respectably in the Listed Nudgee Stakes at Doomben that was her first start in two months with trainer James Cummings taking a careful approach.

But Cummings is confident the daughter of Lonhro can produce something approaching top form at Randwick.

“She comes into this looking very strong in herself,” Cummings said.

“In her last couple she’s had no luck, last start in Brisbane she was never on the track and before that she drew very wide and was only beaten a nose in a good race at Geelong.”

“If she can run well here I think she’ll be in for a very good preparation.”

Ghisoni is joined in the Sapphire by stablemates Raiment and Fragonard who Cummings believes are also in with a chance.

“Raiment comes into the Sapphire Stakes from an unplaced effort in the Coolmore at Group One level where we feel she didn’t run the distance right out,” he said.

“Back to 1200m here and being back to Randwick should suit her better, but the query is whether she might need a bit more juice in the ground.”

Fragonard returns to Sydney after racing well in Melbourne where her two runs this time in have been full of promise.

While she isn’t as well treated under the conditions of the race, Cummings believes her natural ability will take her a long way toward her immediate goals at next month’s Scone and Hawkesbury feature meetings.

“She missed a run after suffering a small setback she looks like she’s set to go, we’d just like to see her get a run under her belt going into the Scone and Hawkesbury carnivals,” he said.

“It wouldn’t shock me if she runs a cheeky race.”