Sapphire Crown Next Up For Easter Egg Champ

GOLDEN Easter Egg champ Mackenna has already been flown back to Melbourne to Paul Abela to be prepared for the Group 1 Sapphire Crown series at Sandown on May 9 and 16.

But, she is then planned to be flown to Brisbane for a tilt at the Group 1 Flying Amy Classic on May 30 and June 6.

Her Golden Easter Egg winning trainer Michelle Sultana said this today.

“The boys have made all the plans (Abela and Michelle's partner Darryl Thomas),” said Michelle.

“She was flown to Melbourne on Tuesday and I can tell you we were tracking that plane for the whole trip.

“She's that special. And, we have been receiving a heap of videos of her since she arrived back at Paul's kennel.

“It's wonderful.”

The Group 1 Sapphire Crown (515m) at Sandown on May 9 and 16 is worth $100,000-to-the-winner.

The Group 1 Flying Amy Classic (520m) at Albion Park on May 30 and June 6 is worth $150,000-to-the-winner.

"That is a special win from a special dog!"

Mackenna wins the Golden Easter Egg Final leading all the way!@Thedogs_com_au @wentyparkgreys pic.twitter.com/yZ2XuUhBaa

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 20, 2024

Michelle admitted Mackenna was flat after her 29.33 Egg victory.

“The heavy track and running 29.33 affected her,” said Michelle. “She had to work so hard through the wet track.

“I can't comprehend what she might have run if it had been a track like she raced on in the heat and semi-final.”

Michelle and Darryl are planning to head to Queensland where they have a small property.

“We've put in some kennels and we will be heading up there for a six-week stay with a team,” she said.

“Mackenna, all going well through the Sapphire Crown series, will be flown straight to Brisbane where we will pick her up.

“She will need a trial around Albion Park before the Amy heats.”

Michelle admitted the Egg victory had not really “sunk in” yet.

“We can't thank George (owner George Alvaro) and Paul enough for giving her to us for the Easter Egg,” she said.

“She's such a special dog. Absolutely nothing bothers her.”