Image: Pat Scala

Classy filly’s Caulfield appearance dependent on track condition

Biologics might have been beaten almost 10 lengths when second-last at her most recent outing, but it wasn’t a completely wasted run to Grahame Begg.

It proved to the Cranbourne trainer that three-year-old daughter of I Am Invincible does not perform on Heavy tracks.

The Pinecliff Racing-owned filly took no harm from the 1200-metre Flemington run on June 6, which was her first start on a track rated worse than Good, and Begg has nominated her for this Saturday’s 1200m 3YO fillies handicap at Caulfield, but said a start was weather-dependent.

“She was going really well into the race and we thought she’d run really well, but the unknown was the ground,” Begg said.

“Obviously they got rain on the day of the race and it deteriorated and she just wasn’t comfortable at all.

“She’s nominated, so we’ll see what happens and what the week brings.”

The Caulfield track was rated a Soft 7 on Monday but should improve by raceday with little rain predicted for Melbourne this week.

Biologics will be third-up if she starts, with her Flemington flop preceded by a dominant first-up win over 1100m in fillies and mares benchmark 62 grade at Werribee.

That was her first start since a couple of unplaced runs against her own sex in Stakes grade last spring, with her only other start a brilliant debut win in a Pakenham maiden.

Begg might not be committed to a start with Biologics, but one of his females who will be going around is Takeko.

The lightly-raced five-year-old mare will be looking to improve on her impressive first-up record in the $150,000 fillies and mares BM84 over 1100m.

Three first-up runs have realised two wins and a second and the daughter of Saxon Warrior hinted another strong fresh run is on the cards with a second placing in a recent Pakenham jumpout.

Takeko was ridden that day by 1.5kg claimer Luke Cartwright, who will be aboard on Saturday, and Begg was excited about seeing her back at the races for the first time since her win at Moonee Valley on August 9.

“She’s a progressive mare, she’s coming off a bit of a layoff but she’s going well and she’ll come in very well at the weights after the claim,” Begg said.

*Existing customers only. 2nd Racing bet. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.