By Ray Hickson, Racing NSW
There are no grand short-term plans for stakes placed mare Aspect Ratio and trainer John Sargent says he’d like to use the late spring, early summer, period to build confidence.
Eight of Aspect Ratio’s 14 starts have been in Group and Listed company, including her second behind ATC Derby winner Quick Thinker at Group 3 level last year, and she’s only been unplaced once in the other six.
Sargent said the Quayclean Handicap (1800m) at Kensington on Wednesday is a good opportunity for the four-year-old after finishing third at Canterbury two weeks ago.
In that race, with 59kg, Aspect Ratio made a move in a slowly run race before the home turn but the leader, and winner, Invinciano had enjoyed plenty of on pace favours and outsprinted her.
“It just didn’t work out the other day but she should get a soft run from the draw,’’ Sargent said.
“She can hide away behind the speed and hope for some luck.
“They got away on the turn and it was all over by then. It should suit her up in trip, she’s seasoned now, so she just needs some luck in running.”
Aspect Ratio, $5.50 with TAB, had led all the way to a Wyong win over a mile at her second run since contesting the Group 1 ATC Oaks and Sargent feels the step up in distance now is what she’s looking for.
“I think a mile to 2000m is perfect for her,’’ he said.
“I want to run her through the grades. I said to the owners we should try to get some money in the kitty, she’s got black type already and maybe in the autumn we can look for some more.”
Bred by David Butler, Aspect Ratio was purchased by Sargent for $75,000 out of Curraghmore's 2018 New Zealand Bloodstock draft.
