A standout performer in major two-year-old races through the 2014 Autumn Carnival, trainer Gerald Ryan has revealed he is excited by the likely return of Group 1 champion filly Peggy Jean in this weekend’s Group 2 Furious Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick.
Peggy Jean is poised for a racing return in this weekend's Furious Stakes. Photo: Steve Hart
Contesting an impressive total of two wins and three minor places over six competitive starts so far, Peggy Jean returned to the spelling paddock after finishing fifth in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) on April 26th.
Likely to line up against standout two-year-old and Blue Diamond Stakes champion Earthquake for the first time in the Furious Stakes, Ryan said he has been pleased with the building form of the Myboycharlie filly in the lead-up to her racing return, and is confident of a success campaign through the 2014 Spring Racing Carnival.
“They have never races against each other,” Ryan told AAP of the impending meeting of Peggy Jean and Earthquake.
“I’m very happy with Peggy Jean and looking at the three-year-old races that have already been run; I think my fillies stack up.”
Debuting with a strong run to finish second to Nayeli in the 2014 ATC hip On Sale Maiden (1000m) on January 8th, Peggy Jean charged home to beat a talented field which included the likes of Boomwaa to a maiden race win less-than two weeks later on January 18th.
Overcoming unideal running position to finish third in the ATC hip On Sal Now Handicap (1200m) on February 1st, the filly out of Lady Of Love finished a close second to subsequent Golden Slipper third Bring Me The Maid in the Group 2 Magic Night Stakes (1200m) on March 29th before securing an impressive win in the Group 1 ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) on April 12th; her only other run prior to the Champagne Stakes.
Displaying good form when second in a strong Randwick barrier trial last week, Peggy Jean has been confirmed to target the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) this time in, to be run on October 4th.
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