For Craig Weeding, the Wangaratta Cup has always been on the radar for the in-form, Make It Sweet, who’s set to be a major player in Saturday’s $100,000 feature race.

The 2000m event has attracted a good field of 12 runners, and Weeding’s Fiorente mare will be suited to the ten-furlong trip and has drawn an absolute treat with gate one.

Stable jockey Jake Duffy takes the ride, and Weeding is confident Make It Sweet is his best chance of landing his first Wangaratta Cup.

“We’re very confident,” Weeding said.

“She is absolutely on song, and we are very happy with her.

“Her preparation has been perfect; it’s early in the prep, and she is still fresh.

“Her lead-up run was over 2000m, and she gets back to her home track, so a lot of things are on her side, which is encouraging.”

A five-time winner, placing an additional nine times in 22 starts, the 5YO has been ultra-consistent.

A winner in a 2000m Benchmark 70 Handicap at the Mildura Cup meeting in July, Make It Sweet, showcased her ability with a dominant 1.5 length win.

Following a spell, she then raced in town, finishing a very good third when first-up in a 1600m No Metro Wins event at Flemington on December 31.

Then taking on the $175,000 VOBIS Gold Reef, the Wangaratta galloper ran second to John Sadler’s handy mare, Merrigold, while beating home some nice horses, including the Patrick and Michelle Payne-trained Jimmy The Bear.

Taking on the VOBIS Gold Heath at Caulfield on February 7, Make It Sweet finished fifth, beaten 4.5 lengths by the red-hot Suntora from the Nick Ryan yard.

Early on in her career, Make it Sweet won four on the bounce, landing victories at Bendigo, Wagga, and Tatura.

Not wanting to rush his promising filly, Weeding has taken his time with her, and connections are reaping the rewards.

“We never rushed her, even when she won a few, and we could have stepped her up in grade,” Weeding said.

“We were patient, and gave her time to mature, and we’re seeing those benefits.”

Make It Sweet gets into the Wangaratta Cup with just 54kg on her back, and with Duffy knowing the mare as well as anyone, there is a lot of confidence in a strong showing.

Also, a chance on the Wangaratta Cup program is stable favourite, Fox Appeal, with Duffy in the saddle and connections drawing gate five in the 1590m Benchmark 70 Handicap.

The Cooma Cup (2024 and 2025) and Balranald Cup (2025) winner has been racing in fine fettle and gets into this event with 60kg.

Weeding and Duffy will also combine with Misil Beauty, who’s set to make her debut in the 1590m Maiden Plate.

The 3YO Wayed Zain filly has been to the trials eight times, including three this year in preparation for her first race start.

Connections will have to deal with the awkward gate draw (12).

In the lead-up to Saturday’s meeting, Wangaratta Turf Club will host their Calcutta this evening, with gates opening at 6 pm.

Supporters and owners are encouraged to get along for a good evening ahead of Wangaratta’s biggest meeting of the year.

Story: Jeff Hanson
Image: Racing Photos