Rich Hill Stud graduate Aeliana (NZ) (Castelvecchio) has ticked another box en-route to Saturday’s Gr.1 Thousand Guineas, working comfortably around the Caulfield circuit on Tuesday morning.
After a three-and-a-half length demolition job in the Gr.3 Carbine Club Stakes, the daughter of Castelvecchio has shot into $3 favouritism for this weekend’s feature, and Chris Waller’s stable representative Lizzie Collett said the filly’s first look at the track was a satisfactory one.
“She was really good; we were really happy with her. Jye (McNeil) just took her around in company with her stablemate Cigar Flick, and they had a good look around,” she said.
“Really strong through the line, but still on the bridle – really happy with how she worked.
“Obviously she’s still a baby, only three. It’s good to get her out here, having the different experience. It’s a good day out for them.”
Having only debuted in August, the rise to Gr.1 level and accompanying Sydney to Melbourne trip is a lot for the three-year-old to take in, but Collett said she has taken it all in her stride.
Aeliana’s Carbine win also puts any queries about the 1600 metres to bed, while the same cannot be said for many of her rivals.
“She’s going really well. She’s a very light looking horse, but she eats up really well – enjoys her work, quite settled in at home in her box, and she’s pretty straightforward,” she said.
“Obviously she was very dominant last start in the Carbine at Flemington, so hopefully now she’s got that under the belt, she’ll be the same this weekend.”
