Grant Williams confident classy mare Alsephina can bounce back from unlucky Sydney debut in Coolmore Classic

Trainer Grant Williams described it has a “hard watch” when Alsephina had no luck at her first Sydney run but feels she can turn it around in the Coolmore Classic.

Grant Williams is banking on the booking of one of Australia’s prolific and in-form riders proving vital to West Aussie raider Alsephina’s chances of causing a Group 1 $1m Coolmore Classic (1500m) boilover this Saturday at Rosehill Gardens.

Williams, who trains with his partner Alana, has enlisted the services of Victorian-based star Blake Shinn as the heavyweight West Aussie stable chases a maiden Sydney major.

“I think the huge bonus is Blake Shinn jumping back on her,” Williams said.

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“Anytime you can get him is a great because he is a gun and he knows her really well.

“Once I get through to race day, I can relax and enjoy it because you know if she is right, he will do the right thing.”

Shinn is having another standout season in Victoria and sits close to 30 wins clear of his nearest rival in the Victorian Jockeys Premiership with 111 victories for the season.

He also leads the Australian Jockeys Premiership and claimed a feature double at Ellerslie in New Zealand last weekend, delivering a pearler to win the inaugural The Kiwi on Damask Rose while scoring a Group 1 on unbeaten colt Return To Conquer in the Sistema Stakes.

Last spring he was aboard Alsephina in three of her four spring starts, claiming the Group 2 Stocks Stakes at Moonee Valley as well as running third in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap and fourth in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes.

Sydney gun Kerrin McEvoy piloted Alsephina in her first-up run in Sydney when the talented daughter of Star Turn had no luck in the Group 2 Guy Walter Stakes (1400m).

That turn of foot though... 😮‍💨

Alsephina gets the gap & goes BANG in the last race at The Valley 🔥 @williamsracing6@blake_shinnpic.twitter.com/bGBse4RWJE

— Racing.com (@Racing) September 27, 2024

• ‘Aussie’ Bjorn chasing Stakes success with classy trio

Alsephina looked to have plenty to offer at the top of the straight but ended up in a pocket and went to the line untested in one of the better last placings you’re likely to see this autumn.

“It was a hard watch but Kerrin was happy with her,” Williams said.

“I will put a line through the run because the way she raced and felt, you could make a case she should have run a place and we are probably going into this a little bit more confident.

“Because of how it panned out, it makes it seem a little bit harder.”

Williams has remained in Sydney for the duration of Alsephina’s Sydney preparation and has been happy with his mare’s build up to her latest Group 1 test.

“She got through the run really easy and we have been pretty happy with her since then,” he said.

“Her work on Saturday on the grass was good and again on Tuesday.

“It’s a perfect draw for her so we are happy with that.”

Alsephina holds nominations for both the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) on April 5 and Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) on April 12.

Amelia's Jewel is back in the winner's circle after leading all the way in the G2 Guy Walter Stakes! 🎉@mcacajamez | @ANeashamRacing | @aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/YE2ERRQBkU

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) March 1, 2025

• Lady Shenandoah has heavy burden in Coolmore bid

She is a $23 chance to snare a maiden Group 1 in the Coolmore Classic having twice finishing among the placings at the top level.

Chris Waller is chasing a third consecutive Coolmore Classic hand and is set to wield an imposing hand in the feature.

The champion trainer has three contenders in this year’s race after making the decision to aim at the race with star filly Lady Shenandoah.

The last start Surround Stakes winner was also an acceptor for the Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes but is now the $2.30 favourite for the Coolmore Classic as she goes in search of a third Group 1 in her past four starts.

Stablemates Olentia ($21) and Firestorm ($34) are both outside chances while trainers Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald have second pick Amelia’s Jewel ($6).

Amelia’s Jewel was the winner of the Guy Walter Stakes but has been set the task of carrying topweight of 58kg in the feature event with Josh Parr in the saddle.

Sunline was the last horse to carry more than 58kg to victory when she carried 60kg in 2002.

Originally published as Grant Williams confident classy mare Alsephina can bounce back from unlucky Sydney debut in Coolmore Classic