Colette's Campaign Is Sky High

With the current vein of form Godolphin's 4YO mare Colette (Hallowed Crown-Libretto, by Singspiel) is in, winning the Gr2 Apollo Stakes first up before a narrow second in the Gr1 Chipping Norton Stakes, connections would no doubt have given some serious thought to Saturday's Gr1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill, but with her long-term campaign focused over distance, the Gr3 Sky High Stakes (2000m) is the logical choice. Holding nominations to the Queen Elizabeth (2000m) and the Sydney Cup (3200m) both at Group 1 level, trainer James Cummings' meticulous planning should see his mare capable of recording victory on Saturday. A winner of the Group 1 ATC Oaks (2400m) at three and the $7.5m Golden Eagle (1500m) in October at four, the versatile mare gets the services of Rachel King in the Sky High and, having ridden the mare at her last two starts, there is not a more in-form combination in the race and victory looks well within her grasp. From an extremely prolific international black type family, irrespective of Saturday's result, the mare will surely take pride of place as part of the Godolphin broodmare band once her racing career is over. Unibet has Colette clear-cut favourite against quality opposition that includes The Chosen One (Savabeel) and Toffee Tongue (Tavistock), plus imports Spirit Ridge (Nathaniel) and Mustajeer (Medicean).

Gr1 Australian Oaks winner Colette (pic: Steve Hart)