South Australian-bred mare Affair To Remember can complete a big end to her spring by winning Saturday’s $500,000 Ballarat Cup (2000m).
Trained by Dan O’Sullivan, who won the 2008 Adelaide Cup with Lacey Underall, Affair To Remember comes off the biggest win of her career in the Group 2 Matriarch Stakes on the final day of the Flemington carnival.
O’Sullivan said was impossible to overlook the race given how well the horse – who was bred and part-owned by former SAJC chairman David Peacock – had bounced through her Flemington victory.
“A hometown cup worth this much money is worth having a crack at," O’Sullivan said.
“I’ve been absolutely steadfast on making sure her routine stayed the same.
“Basically there is nothing to lose and a fair bit to gain by going to this race.
“She’s shown me no signs whatsoever she’s had enough, she’s very fit, 2000m in your backyard for this sort of money – nothing to lose.”
O’Sullivan was under no illusion about the task at hand for the mare, given she’s taking on Group 1 winners like Harlem and Kings Will Dream, and he said she won’t be able to give that sort of quality a massive start.
“It’s a strong race,” O’Sullivan said.
“Hopefully she jumps evenly, and I’d be happy with that.”
IMAGE: Affair To Remember getting ready for her run in the Oaks at Morphettville earlier this year.
