WIDDUP SPRING STAR SET TO RETURN FOR AUTUMN CAMPAIGN

Icebath went down by a nose in the Golden Eagle in Spring but showed huge potential on the heavy track when finishing a nose behind Collette in the $7.5 million feature.

Trainer Widdup definitely has Group 1 glory in mind for the 4 year old but is also looking to maximise opportunities around lucrative races by nomination Icebath for the $5m All Star MIle at Moonee Valley.

There are a host of other races that Widdup will likely assess along the way with the All Star Mile a likely secondary target. However if you don’t buy a ticket you don’t win the race seems to be the mentality.

“It is a big money race so we have to keep our options open,” Widdup said.

“I am meeting with the owners next week to map out our plans but we want to get some black type and she will be on a Coolmore path but you have to keep your options open for sure.

“She only had about three weeks out in the paddock but put on 27kgs and we are really happy with her.”

The Group 1 Coolmore Classic in March is the likely target for Icebath with Widdup bullish that his mare can compete for black type glory.

A real question for the stable will come around the ground. With Icebath having a much better success rate on Soft to Heavy tracks will Widdup look to focus on the Sydney tracks which have seen heavy rainfall each Carnival for the past few years?

More News