TOP-class Warrnambool mare Spirit Song is in peak condition for today’s group 2 $220,000 Top Cut Stocks Stakes (1600 metres) at Moonee Valley, according to her trainer Aaron Purcell.
Purcell said Spirit Song had thrived since her first-up fifth finish in an $80,000 mare’s race (1400 metres) at Caulfield on September 1.
“I really can’t fault her after her first-up run at Caulfield,” he said.
“She’s done really well since that run. I would expect she’ll be in the finish of today’s race.
“I think today’s race is an ideal race for her at this stage of her preparation. She’s got a great record around the Valley over the 1600 metres, two starts for two wins.
“We’re hopeful that she will keep her record intact today.”
Spirit Song has won six of her eight starts for Purcell.
She was previously trained in Melbourne but due to leg issues her owners transferred her to Purcell’s stable, where she continually does beach work.
“We’ve had no problems with her legs in this preparation,” Purcell said.
“She had a good spell and worked well before her first-up run at Caulfield and worked really well since that effort.
“We know what problems she’s had with her legs, so we just manage them and that has worked really well for us.”
The Grand Annual Steeplechase-winning trainer said the five-year-old mare was being aimed at the group 1 $500,000 Myer Classic (1600 metres) at Flemington on November 3.
“Her grand final is in the Myer Classic,” Purcell said.
“I’ve been amazed how she has just kept on improving at each start she has had for us. She’s a very honest mare who gives 100 per cent.
“When I first started training her I thought we might win a mid-week mare’s race in town, but she has just kept on winning and racing in great heart.”