Racing
Schillaci Stakes to determine spring path
Where Arabian Summer heads next will be determined by her outing in a Stakes race at Caulfield.
The Schillaci Stakes at Caulfield is shaping as a fork in the road race for talented sprinter Arabian Summer.
The Group 2 sprint at weight-for-age over 1100m on Saturday will determine which path the Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained four-year-old takes in coming weeks.
On offer for Arabian Summer is the Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) at Flemington on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, while over the same four days there are a plethora of suitable races.
Arabian Summer has been a good money spinner for the McEvoy's being the winner of five of her 12 races with a further four placings and almost $1.5 million in prize money.
The mare has been tested three times at Group 1 level previously, the most recent when third to Baraqiel in the Moir Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley on September 6.
Subsequently, Arabian Summer has won a Flemington jump-out where she defeated last Saturday's Flemington winner War Machine who won a call-up to The Everest courtesy of that win.
"She was a little underdone going into the Moir," Calvin McEvoy said.
"It just came up a little bit quick, and her coat wasn't through, but she looks amazing now.
"She's had a trial in-between, a good strong gallop and she's ready to go."
McEvoy said he and his father had been planning Saturday's Group 2 contest for some time as it afforded them the opportunity to decide where to head next in the campaign.
"We've always wanted to get her to this race," McEvoy said.
"It will help us decide where we go to afterwards, but there won't be any excuses this weekend.
"There are some lovely races that we could place her in that are at Group 3, Group 2 level, but if she was to be very impressive and win then we could consider the Champions Sprint which is at 1200 (metres).
"I don't think the 1200 would be a problem now, but we'll have to see after Saturday."
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