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Daughter of Rip Van Winkle to line-up in Group 1 at Randwick on Saturday
John Sargent-trained filly Gin Martini (Rip Van Winkle) is set to tackle Group 1 company ahead of schedule in Saturday's Champagne Stakes (Gr 1, 2000m) at Randwick.
The daughter of Rip Van Winkle (Galileo) has caught her trainer by surprise with a brilliant first preparation which will culminate in a Group 1 start this weekend.
Gin Martini produced an eye-catching performance last start in the Schweppervescence Stakes (Gr 3, 1400m), charging from last to finish third at 60-1.
Sargent says Gin Martini is hitting her targets earlier than expected.
"I bought her for the Oaks in New Zealand and what she's done now is a bonus," he said.
"But obviously it's a Group 1 race and the black type will be worth a lot for her in breeding down the line. She'll go into the race with a good chance, I think.
"She'll be at her peak next season. She's still immature, but she's shown she has the ability to mix it with the better two-year-olds and I think you'll see that on Saturday.
"It should be just nice for her now, out to a mile. She should be spot on.
"Brenton Avdulla galloped her on Tuesday morning over 1200 metres. She'll go in (to the race) a very fit horse on Saturday and be right at her peak.
"She'll be at her peak next season. She's still immature, but she's shown she has the ability to mix it with the better two-year-olds and I think you'll see that on Saturday."