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| Sumita Pawar |
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I Am Me, the brilliant sprinter, showcased her impressive credentials for The Everest with a dominant victory in the Gr.2 Missile Stakes on Saturday. However, the course of her spring campaign may ultimately be determined by the allure of a crucial Group 1 race.
In the first major Sydney sprint of the season, I Am Me skillfully evaded the chaos that unfolded behind her, emerging triumphant at Rosehill Gardens and securing the most significant triumph of her career thus far.
Trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, this mare has been nothing short of extraordinary over the past year. She claimed victory in the Listed Canterbury Sprint (1200m) on New Year's Day, before finishing seventh in the prestigious Gr.1 Oakleigh Plate in February.
As the upcoming spring season approaches, a multitude of feature races await, providing a plethora of options for this speedy sprinter.
Dean Watt, the managing owner of I Am Me and director of Dynamic Syndications, disclosed the primary target for the talented daughter of I Am Invincible.
"From day one coming into this preparation the Manikato Stakes has always been the target simply because we just feel her racing style will be suited to The Valley," Watt said.
"She is an on pace runner with a high cruising speed that can naturally sprint off the front.
"At The Valley those behind her would need to go wider so it just seems like a race that would suit her."
The Everest Beckons: I Am Me's Chance
I Am Me has the opportunity to compete in the Manikato Stakes (1200) at The Valley on October 28. This race takes place two weeks before the prestigious A$20m The Everest, making it a potential stepping stone for I Am Me.
Participating in Australia's most lucrative sprint event is not out of the realm of possibility for I Am Me. Watt, the horse's handler, has received inquiries from slot holders regarding I Am Me's chances in The Everest. However, there are several crucial factors that need to be taken into account.
Negotiations with slot holders need to be conducted in order to secure a percentage of the prize pool for I Am Me. Additionally, the decision to run a mare in the race must be carefully considered, weighing the value of black type on her breeding page against the opportunities presented by The Everest.
"It's a great race for a gelding, it's a great race for a stallion prospect but for a mare it's not always the greatest move business wise unless you think it will win," Watt said.
"I am not saying she can't win it because she's got such a great cruising speed and she's come back bigger and stronger.
"I wouldn't say she wouldn't run in an Everest but it would have to be under circumstances that suit the slot holder and ourselves.
"There is still so much more water to go under the bridge.
"It's two weeks before the Manikato so we would consider it but our aim is always about maximising her value."
I Am Me is most likely to aim for the A$300,000 Gr.2 Sheraco Stakes (1200m) as their next target. However, they also have the option of participating in the Gr.3 Cockram Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.