Steinem is favourite to take out Saturday’s G2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes (2100m) at Ascot and co-trainer David Eustace backs his Victorian mare to get the job done.
A daughter of Frankel, Steinem continues her Perth campaign after an impressive third behind boom filly Amelia’s Jewel in last fortnight’s G1 Northerly Stakes (1800m).
Steinem opened at $2.90 for the Ted Van Heemst Stakes when Tabtouch markets were released on Wednesday, but has since tightened to $2.70.
Ironclad, runner-up in the Northerly Stakes and the only other interstate raider in the Ted Van Heemst, is next, firming from $4 to $3.50.
David Eustace, who trains in partnership with Ciaron Maher, confirmed Steinem had continued to thrive since his first-up performance in the Northerly Stakes.
The lightly-raced five-year-old, a winner in three of 15 starts, can give the Maher-Eustace team, rare visitors to Perth, their biggest success in WA.
“We’re very happy with the way she came through the run (Northerly Stakes) and she is all systems go for Saturday,” Eustace said on Tabradio.
“She’s thrived since being over there and you see it time and time again, horses get a bit of warmer weather and a change in ground and it’s all the better for them.”
Steinem had been specifically aimed at the Northerly Stakes, but the Ted Van Heemst Stakes is not an afterthought said Eustace.
“It wasn’t necessarily the plan, but she went over to Perth a relatively fresh horse,” Eustace said.
“She hadn’t been overaced through the spring.
“It’s a bit of an afterthought, but it’s still only her fifth start of her prep.
“The 2100m will suit and she is in good nick.”
Steinem reached a career peak when she won the G3 Summoned Stakes (1600m) at Caulfield last November.
The five-year-old has drawn barrier three in the Ted Van Heemst Stakes with Victorian jockey, John Allen, maintaining the ride.