Trainer Matt Laurie knows the challenge that awaits Treasurethe Moment as she steps into open company for the first time in the Aug. 30 Memsie Stakes (G1) at Caulfield Racecourse.
The dual Oaks heroine has won her past eight starts in succession, but the 1,400-meter (about seven-furlong) Memsie represents her first test against older rivals. Laurie said he had taken encouragement from last weekend's Winx Stakes (G1), where fellow 4-year-old Aeliana nearly toppled champion stablemate Via Sistina at Randwick.
"We feel she's come back really well," Laurie said. "She's here and she's ready, but I'm still mindful that she is not 4 until November, so she's very much a 3-year-old filly.
"It's more of a challenge for her to prove it again against older stock, but she's a wonderful horse and it would be hard to see her not picking up something along the way. I think we can assume she's going to measure up."
Laurie is wary of the conditions with rain forecast at Caulfield this week.
"She's got that skimming action and can quicken up really well, whereas a softer surface can take that away," he said. "You can't control the weather, so we'll have to kick off."
Saturday is the starting point of a program that could culminate in either a Cox Plate (G1) or Caulfield Cup (G1) bid.
"Whether her best trip is a mile, 2,000 meters, or further remains to be seen," Laurie said. "She was a stayer as a 3-year-old and could win over 1,400 meters, so that versatility is a big advantage."
