ICEBATH IN THE HUNT FOR MAIDEN G1

Icebath ready for Group 1 Epsom

Icebath will head back to the track this weekend with $2.3m already in prize money however it could have been so different for the now 5 year old had her nose been that little bit longer.

In the past 12 months Icebath has had photo finishes in the Golden Eagle worth $7.5m as well as the $3m Doncaster Mile. Both races saw Icebath finish in the placings but had she finished top of the pile there would have been an extra $3.75m in the kitty.

All the way through though, trainer Widdup has been focusing on the positives.

“Nothing is given to you in this game. I don’t know if ‘deserves’ is the word but she’s definitely up to it,” Widdup said.

“I can guarantee one thing. This has been a plan for a long time and she’s spot on.”

Widdup believes Icebath could be getting overlooked after finishing within two lengths of the top three in betting in the Epsom market.

“I think she’s definitely flying under the radar. They’re (punters) finding everything else in her races bar her which I don’t mind anyway,” Widdup said.

“I used to think that the Epsom was an easier race to win but until you win one you can’t say much. We used to think it was the poor cousin (of the Doncaster) but times have changed.

“It’s different from the old handicaps. There’s horses coming from overseas and there’s plenty of form lines so the Epsom is a tougher race to win now.”

Icebath currently sits at $9 in betting for the Epsom handicap behind Private Eye and Vangelic who lead the betting. 

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