Caulfield outing to help Abbey Marie

Trainer Mick Kent believes talented mare Abbey Marie probably needs another run before she’s ready to return to winning form but he expects her to go well at Caulfield.

Abbey Marie runs in the Mannerism Stakes (1400m) on Saturday, her second run back following a long break.

The four-year-old won her first three starts, including the Group One Australasian Oaks at Morphettville last May, before a stint on the sidelines after contracting a mystery illness that necessitated a stint in the Werribee Veterinary Hospital.

Abbey Marie returned to racing at Caulfield on February 11, finishing eighth in the Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes.

“I was happy with her first-up run,” Kent said.

“But she’s still another run away I think. She’s drawn deep on Saturday and will probably have to go back.

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“Depending on how she runs on Saturday will determine whether we go up in trip or we go up to Sydney for the mile mares’ races.

“She certainly wants a mile to 10 furlongs (2000m).”

Kent said Abbey Marie was a little behind in her preparation after missing a barrier trial at Cranbourne earlier in February.

“She missed a trial and I thought don’t panic, let her run at Caulfield and looking at her she’s still got a bit of a tummy,” Kent said.

“This run will bring along and she should be right thereafter.”

Abbey Marie sits on the third line of Mannerism betting at $9.50 with Silent Sedition the $2.25 favourite.