Classic Gem looks to secure maiden win at Flemington in 2026

Classic Gem’s performances in her debut season alongside trainer Dom Sutton have been strong enough to support entries in more Black Type fixtures, but the Flemington-based handler is scaling back ambitions to achieve her debut victory.

The Maurice-sired three-year-old is set to pursue her maiden success at Flemington this coming Saturday.

Originally with Wendy Kelly after fetching $170,000 at Inglis Premier as a yearling, Classic Gem transferred to Sutton and associates post her fourth in last season’s Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m), with her three current campaign starts yielding no finish beyond fifth.

Opening with second in Group 3 Alexandra Stakes (1600m), she was fifth next in Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m), before fourth in Group 1 ATC Oaks (2400m).

Sutton approves of his investment, eagerly awaiting her name alongside a win.

“I think she’s already added value to what we paid for her,” Sutton said.

“Half the job is done, we just need her to go and win a race now.

“She’s multiple Stakes-placed, she’s run fourth in two Oaks and ran second in a Group 3 first-up for us down here.

“I think she can win a Listed race, but if she can win any race she’s going to be valuable as a broodmare.”

Although tempted by this weekend’s $300,000 Listed Andrew Ramsden (2800m) at Flemington, Sutton prefers dropping back to the 2000m three-year-old race on the card.

On a rating of 78, she placed second in the ratings list among 35 for that event, only behind Different Gravy rated 80.

It will be her initial appearance since April 11’s ATC Oaks, kept sharp by an 1100m second at Werribee jumpout May 1, with Sutton noting positives for Saturday.

“We did have her in (last weekend) over in Adelaide but after the trip to Sydney, where she had the back-up into the Oaks up there, I think putting her on a truck and travelling her again probably wasn’t the right move,” Sutton said.

“So, we just kept her home. She’s had five weeks between runs, freshened up well and I like her at Flemington. I think Flemington is a lot better track for her than Morphettville.”

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