Change of tactics with Gin Martini

Gin Martini. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au

Trainer John Sargent is changing his tactics with Kiwi-bred filly Gin Martini (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle) ahead of the Gr.1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

The Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m) placegetter has been ridden positively and finished fourth in her subsequent starts in the Listed Gold Coast Bracelet (1800m) and Gr.2 The Roses (2100m).

Sargent is looking for that Classic win and he believes a change in tactics could prove the difference.

“We are probably going to ride her a bit colder to see if she can finish it off. She has been left a sitting duck on the turn and has been caught by a couple,” Sargent told RacingHQ.

“Robbie (Dolan) will ride her again and I would like her to sit behind the first wave. We will change the tactics with her and we might get another length or two to maybe win an Oaks.”

Gin Martini was purchased by Tricolours Racing & Syndications out of Landsdowne Park’s 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft for $40,000.