Racing
Litt expectation free with Gosford Guineas favourite
Guineas favourite still a work-in-progress towards Sunday Gosford feature.
Richard Litt is upbeat about his Gosford Guineas contender and although the filly has delivered two wins in her short career so far, he is still taking it step-by-step with Caffe Florian.
Caffe Florian, according to the internet, is one of Italy's oldest coffee houses which dates back to the 18th century so there would be an obvious weight of expectation on the brew served.
For the equine namesake, the anticipation is positive but more measured as the three-year-old continues to make a good impression on her trainer.
Caffe Florian was a $400,000 purchase at the 2024 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale and this daughter of star sprinter Snitzel and dam Madam Andree had both of her victories at Canterbury together with a placing on debut in her three starts to-date.
She goes to the Listed Gosford Guineas (1200m) on Sunday as the $2.45 favourite.
"She has always been a lovely filly and she has got the pedigree to match it so we've always had high hopes of her all the way along," Litt said.
"We've given her plenty of time and she has come along nicely. What she has done so far has been excellent.
"She has to take the next step on Sunday but there are no expectations going around."
On the dam side, Caffe Florian's siblings include multiple black-type performer Ostraka, multiple winner Anders and also Smashing Eagle and Madame Pauline – both of which have worthwhile records.
Litt has been pleased with the filly's work since her last win on over 1100-metres in benchmark 72 company on December 12.
"She has trained on really nicely," Litt added.
"We haven't had to do too much with her because these races have fallen in quite nicely every two weeks.
"She's ticked over very nicely and with this being her fourth run this preparation, she's ultra fit and she seems to still be in a really good headspace.
"That is a lot for a filly in her first racing preparation which gives a good indication that she is quite tough.
Win or lose tomorrow, Litt is yet to determine what could be next for Caffe Florian.
"Whether she has a long or short break after this, we are not under any pressure to make plans," he added.
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