Gatesys Gem has each way appeal in THE ASCENT

By Adam Hamilton 

Aussie trainer Glenn Hunter admits he has been playing catch-up all campaign with his star filly Gatesys Gem, ahead of tomorrow's $500,000 Majestic Horsefloats THE ASCENT at Addington Raceway. 

The dual Group 1 winner had some niggles after completing the big NSW Oaks/Derby double in May at Menangle.

Although she won first-up at Melton on October 4, Hunter warned it would take time for Gatesys Gem to get back to her absolute peak fitness and form.

She has since run second to arch-rival Tracy The Jet ($1.95), who she meets again at Addington, in the Group 1 Victoria Oaks and, more recently, in the Group 1 Victoria Trotters’ Derby at Maryborough last Sunday week.

“I always felt we would be better and close to her best by the time NZ came around and that’s how it’s panned-out,” Hunter said.

“She was a bit plain in her heat of the Derby but she was in season, so it was good to see her bounce back and run a top race in the final.

“Her preparation is building nicely, but it’s obviously another step-up in a field like this.”

Gatesys Gem boasts sparkling gate speed so top driver Nathan Jack has all the options from the pole.

Given her preparation and the respect Hunter has for Tracy The Jet, it is likely they would love to take a sit on her if she got to challenge for the front first.

Gatesys Gem led and happily trailed Tracy The Jet when second in last month’s Victoria Oaks.

The daughter of Aldebaran Eagle has been a model of consistency through her two and three-year-old seasons with 16 starts netting nine wins and six seconds.

Even her only unplaced run was a close fourth in the Group 1 Vicbred 2YO final.

Given how the Aussies have performed this week and a likely cosy run from the pole draw, Gatesys Gem is a must for trifectas and the $23 for a win and $3.80 for a place on offer looks value.

To see the odds for THE ASCENT click here