A last-start third behind Catkins has prompted connections of Angel Of Mercy to consider a late entry to the Group One Queen Of The Turf Stakes.
It will cost her group of owners $22,000 to put her in next Saturday’s race and trainer Gerald Ryan says the weather will be the determining factor.
Angel Of Mercy handled the heavy track at Rosehill better than expected in the Emancipation, finishing 1-3/4 lengths behind Catkins who is the favourite for the Queen Of The Turf (1600m).
Her performance belied her previous experience in the wet which led to her being transferred to Grant Williams in Perth for six months.
“She was sent over there to get away from the wet tracks in Sydney,” Ryan said.
“But she went so well in the Emancipation we have to think about paying up.
“We have until Tuesday to decide.
“My concern is that the wet track at Rosehill is different from Randwick. There were horses that handled it at Rosehill but didn’t handle it at Randwick (Saturday).
“But she has come through her last start very well so she’s fit enough.”
Angel Of Mercy had four starts in the west, winning the Listed Northam Cup (1600m) in October.
Saturday’s Doncaster-Derby day was held on a heavy surface but the rain in Sydney is forecast to abate by Wednesday.
Catkins heads the Queen of the Turf market based on her three Group wins from four starts this campaign which have also realised a Group One third in the Coolmore Classic.
She holds sway over her Chris Waller-trained stablemate Red Tracer and Melbourne filly Solicit who holds entries to two other Group One races on the day, the ATC Oaks (2400m) and the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m).
Gypsy Diamond, who missed out on a start in the Doncaster as the second emergency is high in calculations following her win in the Carbine Club Stakes.
Japanese mare Hana’s Goal, an eye-catching sixth in the Doncaster will not run with connections opting to prepare her for the Champions Mile in Hong Kong next month.
– AAP