The end of the Warrnambool May Racing Carnival is normally a time for Matthew Williams to regroup after the busiest few days of his year.
But there will be no putting the feet up this year with the Williams’ attention quickly shifting towards the horse he hopes will secure him a maiden Group 1 success.
The Warrnambool trainer puts the polish on Literary Magnate, who will run in Saturday’s $500,000 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville.
Williams celebrated two wins at Warrnambool during the week, with Rose Of Shalaa on Tuesday and Unseen Ruler on Thursday, and gave serious consideration to also starting Literary Magnate in Wednesday’s Listed Wangoom Handicap only to be seduced by the Group 1 lights.
“We thought from a breeding point of view if she could run top three in a Sangster – she’s already quite valuable as a mare – that’d top things off,” Williams said.
A daughter of Written Tycoon, Literary Magnate won the Group 3 Northwood Plume Stakes last campaign, when she also logged 1400m Group 3 minor placings in the Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes on Melbourne Cup Day and the Kevin Heffernan Stakes on November 26.
That consistency was what prompted Williams to have a crack at the Sangster fresh with the four-year-old who has had four first-up runs for two wins and two minor placings.
Her Sangster preparations include a second placing in an 850m Camperdown jumpout and a strong win in a 1000m Mortlake hitout.
“When we put her out, we had time to give her a good break,” Williams said.
“She had eight weeks in the paddock and I think a bit over three months to prep her up to have her ready for a first up tilt.
“Obviously Group 1 is a step up for her now and it’s a pretty hot little race, it’s probably come up a bit stronger I thought, but she’s trialled up as good as we could have her going.
“She’s at her best, has drawn a nice gate and if she gets a nice run we’ll have no excuses there.”
Literary Magnate will jump from barrier three with Dean Yendall aboard in the event that sees consistent Group 1 performer Bella Nipotina, recent Challenge Stakes winner Passive Aggressive and in-form pair Espiona and Zapateo among the opposition.