Tom Dabernig is steering Fickle toward a Listed race at Sandown, seeing it as a more favorable option compared to a Stakes race at Moonee Valley.
The trainer admitted to some second thoughts when final fields for Sandown on Saturday were released. Initially, Dabernig had the option to enter Fickle in the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Friday night but ultimately opted for the Listed W J Adams Stakes (1000m) at Sandown instead.
With regular rider Craig Williams unavailable due to commitments in New Zealand, Dabernig secured Jamie Kah for the ride. Kah, recently married to fellow jockey Ben Melham, will return to racing aboard Fickle in her first outing since tying the knot.
“I must admit I was a bit surprised when I saw Jamie Melham when the fields came out, it confused me a little bit,” Dabernig joked.
Fickle, previously trained in Sydney by Peter and Paul Snowden, has flourished under Dabernig’s care this campaign. After a second-place finish at her home track in Warrnambool, she broke through for her maiden win. This was followed by another second placing before Fickle surged to three consecutive victories at Moonee Valley, the latest on December 28.
Despite Fickle’s strong record at Moonee Valley, Dabernig felt the conditions at Sandown were a better fit.
“We just thought Fickle at the 1000 metres with the month between runs was better for her,” Dabernig explained.
“I know she’s a very good Moonee Valley horse but probably the 1000 and the time between runs is better, and it’s ended up being a seven-horse field.
“She’s gone from winning a maiden to Stakes grade all in one prep, which is never easy to do, but she’s kept on winning.
“It would be nice to get that ‘Black Type,’ and then she could be put away and maybe we look to Adelaide and something like the Proud Miss over in Adelaide with her.”
The trainer is confident the four-week gap between runs won’t be an issue for the speedy sprinter.
“She’s never been to Sandown before and she’s won at Caulfield and The Valley, but it’s Lakeside which suits on pace,” Dabernig said.
“I think she’ll run well.”
