Randwick trainer Grahame Begg has won Group 1 races at every major carnival in Australia, he’s even won twice on international day at Hong Kong but never before has he attempted what is before him this weekend with Secret Admirer.
His flagship galloper will line up on Saturday in the Group l Myer Classic (1600m) at Flemington just 14 days after running in the Caulfield Cup over 2400 meters.
Begg said Secret Admirer has “freshened up beautifully”.
It’s a new experience, you could say that again but I don’t think it’s beyond the impossible,” he said.
“I’ve seen horses come out of the Cox Plate and run in the Myer.
“I know we’re coming back from 2400 meters but we’ve had an extra week to do it.”
Begg described Secret Admirer as the perfect type of horse to attempt to bring a horse back from a grueling mile and a half handicap to a 1600 meter mares weight-for-age race.
He’s says the daughter of Dubawi hasn’t shown him any signs that she shouldn’t be running in the $500,000 feature on Saturday.
“I don’t do any work with her,” he said. “She’s a natural athlete.
“Yesterday was the first time she’s been out at Flemington.
She’d spent plenty of time in the bullring but it was the first time she’d been on the track. I was happy with her work.
“I’m very happy with her and her condition. She’s done really well.”
On Saturday, James McDonald will be reunited with Secret Admirer, who is an $11 chance in Sportsbet’s all-in pre-final market for the Group l Myer Classic.