On a quest for the Cox Plate and to take her place as the best in Australia, the Adam Tinder-trained Mystic Journey took her first steps to the spring with a convincing win in Saturday's Group II PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.
Making her first start since her emotional win in the rich All-Star Mile at Flemington on March 16, the Group 1 Australian Guineas winner extender her winning sequence to seven.
With regular rider Anthony Darmanin in the saddle, Mystic Journey came from one out and three back to run down the courageous Cliff's Edge (Canford Cliffs) by three-quarter of a length with old favourite Hartnell (GB) (Authorized) a long-neck back in third.
Purchased for $11,000 by Trinder out of the Armidale Stud draft at the 2017 Magic Millions Tasmanian yearling sale, Mystic Journey advances her record to 11 wins from 14 starts with earnings of $3,383,600.
"It's really pleasing to get them back to the races and see them do what you trust they're going to do," Trinder told AAP.
"This takes a little bit of pressure off and I feel she is where she needs to be."
Trinder said Mystic Journey was likely to start in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington on September 14 although the Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 31, is an option, before the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington and then the Cox Plate
"That's what I'm thinking standing here but I'll make up my mind as the week transpires," Trinder said.
"Looking at her presentation and her nostril flare directly, I think we won't see her for a month.
"If she is to run in the Memsie she'll remain here for a Cox Plate campaign because with fortnight racing I don't want to be travelling with her all the time.
"She is
more comfortable in her own environment."
Mystic Journey is the best of three winners from four to race out of the Colombia mare White Gold who is a sister to the stakes-placed Oronero.
Bred by Ralph and Peta Zito, Mystic Journey is a three-quarter sister to the Listed winner Mystic Pursuit (Needs Further) who is out of White Gold's unraced half-sister Oh So Gold (Savoire Vivre).
A full-sister to Mystic Journey made $55,000 to the bid of Ross Wilkinson at last year's Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale. She has been named Emerald Crown.
White Gold was not covered in 2016 but had a Fighting Sun filly last spring and was bred back to Fiorente.
Armidale Stud's Needs Further is a Group winning son of the champion Encosta De Lago and a half-brother to Darley Stud's dual Group 1 winner Hallowed Crown.
