Vibrant Sun: A Rising Star in the Spring Racing Carnival
As the Spring Racing Carnival heats up, trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr have made a strategic decision regarding their promising filly, Vibrant Sun. Rather than entering her into the competitive Group 1 Toorak Handicap, they have opted to keep her racing against her own sex in the Catanach’s 150 Years Vase at Caulfield this Saturday. This choice reflects a careful consideration of her development and fitness as she gears up for a significant Group 1 assignment later in the season.
Building Towards the Empire Stakes
Vibrant Sun is set to run in the Catanach’s 150 Years Vase, a 1600-meter race that serves as a crucial stepping stone in her preparation for the prestigious Empire Stakes, scheduled for November 2 at Flemington. Kent Jnr expressed confidence in this approach, stating, “We’re building her towards the Empire Stakes third-up, and it’s a race in which she can run really well.” This focused strategy aims to ensure that Vibrant Sun is in peak condition when she faces the challenges of the Empire Stakes.
A Promising Career So Far
Despite having only eight starts under her belt, Vibrant Sun has already made a name for herself in the racing world. With three victories to her name, her standout achievement came earlier this year when she clinched the Group 1 Australasian Oaks at Morphettville. This victory not only showcased her talent but also established her as a serious contender in the competitive landscape of Australian horse racing.
A Stellar Debut and Autumn Triumphs
Vibrant Sun burst onto the scene with an impressive performance on the final day of the 2023 Melbourne Cup Carnival, winning a Geelong maiden by an astonishing eight lengths. This victory set the stage for her subsequent participation in the Group 1 Thousand Guineas at Caulfield, where she continued to demonstrate her potential. The autumn season proved to be particularly fruitful for her, as she not only triumphed in the Australasian Oaks but also secured a win in the Group 3 Alexandra Stakes at Moonee Valley.
Recent Form and Strategic Planning
Vibrant Sun resumed her current campaign on a challenging wet track at Flemington, where she finished tenth in the Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes. Price and Kent Jnr had initially considered entering her in the Group 2 Feehan Stakes just 13 days after her first-up run. However, they wisely decided that allowing more time between races would be beneficial for her development. Kent Jnr noted, “She won her Group One in the autumn with a little bit of time between runs, so we thought we’d give her a bit of extra time leading into this run.”
The Road Ahead
The decision to race Vibrant Sun in the Catanach’s 150 Years Vase is not just about the immediate race; it’s part of a larger plan to build her fitness and confidence as she approaches the Empire Stakes. With each race, the trainers aim to enhance her performance, ensuring she is well-prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. As the Spring Racing Carnival progresses, all eyes will be on Vibrant Sun to see if she can continue her upward trajectory and make a significant impact in the upcoming Group 1 events.