Elson Eyes First Group 1 With Talented Duo
It’s been a trying year for trainer Kristy Elson.
She had to take over the training duties of her father Gary’s stable early in 2018, after he was suspended.
With her father’s return to training imminent, Elson has the chance to make it a dual celebration for the family when she has Jaspervellabeach and Secret Operation line up for her in Saturday night’s Group 1 Choices Flooring-Golden Slipper (2130m) at Gloucester Park.
Furthermore, it would be Elson’s first Group 1 win as a trainer.
Jaspervellabeach, who Elson owns as well, stamped his credentials as a serious Slipper contender when he took out the Group 2 Champagne Classic in April.
They were boosted even further when he drew barrier one earlier in the week.
Despite the favourable draw, Elson said she was feeling the pressure as she looked to score the landmark win.
“I probably go into the race now under more pressure,” Elson told RWWA Harness of the inside draw.
“I would prefer to go into the race flying under the radar.
“Ever since Jasper’s first race the Slipper has been the goal.
“I just wanted to get him into the Slipper.
“After the Champagne Classic, I started to think ‘this could happen’.”
Despite being unplaced behind Poisedtopounce in the Slipper Prelude last week, Jaspervellabeach was installed a $1.75 favourite with TABtouch.
Elson said she was hopeful reinsman Nathan Turvey would be able to hold the front from the inside draw and added she had the colt in a similar vein of form to what he was ahead of the Champagne Classic.
Secret Operation had the inside barrier in last week’s Slipper Prelude, but was quickly out of contention when he galloped in the opening stages of the race.
Michael Grantham has the drive on Secret Operation again this week from barrier six and Elson said he was ready to bounce back from last week’s disappointment.
“He pulled up fine and is ready to go,” she said.
“It’s going to be a bit hard for him from barrier six.
“He’s a good little race horse but he just doesn’t seem to have a lot of luck.
“Michael always comes back in and says ‘he got out too late’.”
Jaspervellabeach eased from $1.75 to $1.90 in the market for the feature event, while Major Martini ($3.60), Power And Grace ($4.80) and Some Copper Beach ($7.50) are also in single figure odds.
Tim Walker