Skip to Content

Is Celebrity really special?

 

Trevor Robertson’s decision to keep a Not A Single Doubt filly and sell her mother, Celebrity Girl, can reap the ultimate reward at Morphettville in Saturday’s $502,250 Group 1 TAB Classic at Morphettville.

Robertson, chasing an eighth Group 1 win as an owner, eventually sold Celebrity Girl through the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale for $280,000 before Instant Celebrity emerged as a filly with a bright future.

Robertson admits winning a Group 1 on his home track with a filly he bred could very well surpass Caulfield Cup (Southern Speed) and Victoria Derby (Rebel Raider) victories.

“This one is bit different, it would certainly be right up there,” Robertson said.

“In the past with our good horses we’ve known they had ability and gone in with our fingers crossed. This time we’re hoping she’s as good as we think she is.

“If she is, she wins.

“Up until last start I would have said she was the best horse I’ve had, but I guess the jury is out, we’ll see tomorrow.

“The fact we raced her mum makes her a bit special. We thought long and hard about where she (Celebrity Girl) went to and it all adds up to her being pretty special.”

Like many, Robertson said he was a touch disappointed after the Redelva Stakes when she was beaten into fourth placing behind Muntaseera but said Saturday could tell a very different story.

“I think we’re going to find out a fair bit tomorrow (Saturday),” Robertson said.

“We think she’s pretty good, the bookies aren’t seeing it that way – they want to lay here. But if she’s as good as we think she is, she’s going to be right in there.”

Trainer Phillip Stokes remains unconvinced the filly has come back in the electric form she showed back in the spring where she won the Group 2 Tranquil Star over 1400m at Caulfield.

“No,” Stokes said bluntly when asked if he thought she was going as well on RSN Racing Pulse.

“I’ve got to see that again. If she comes out and blows them away she’s back, but I have to see it on race day.

“Is she absolutely flying? Tommy said her last piece of work was really good, but we’ll see on Saturday.”

Stokes said her first-up run in the Redelva was inconclusive given they had to ride her closer to the speed on a day which appeared to be favour horses up front.

“They seemed to be on-pace, so we used the barrier and rode her a little bit out of her comfort zone and it may have taken the finish off her,” Stokes said.

And he said he’ll just leave any tactics to Craig Williams, who replaces Kayla Crowther for the feature.

“She’ll bounce and just put her where she’s comfortable,” Stokes said.

Post categories

Racing SA - Racing Racing SA - Stories Racing SA - Latest News