Alverta starts her journey to Ascot today with a successful barrier trial at Muswellbrook this morning.

A successful barrier trial at Muswellbrook this morning started the countdown to Alverta’s journey to Royal Ascot in England. The aim of the morning was to have Alverta well within herself and to give her an easy trial, which stable jockey Brett Marshall did perfectly. Paul’s aim for Alverta is to have her as fresh as possible given the arduous journey ahead of her.

Preparations have been underway since March after Alverta won the Group 1 Coolmore Stakes. We received the exciting news that Alverta had received an invitation to run at Royal Ascot and we have been putting plans into place ever since.

Alverta’s first assignment will be the Group 1 Golden Jubilee Stakes on Saturday 19 June. This is a race over 6 furlongs (1200m) for three-year-olds and upwards. The Golden Jubilee is Ascot’s joint most valuable prize at £450,000. It is the second British leg of the Global Sprint Challenge and has previously been won in 2003 by the Paul Perry trained, Choisir.

If Alverta runs well in the Royal Jubilee Stakes she will then head to the July Cup held on 9 July at Newmarket. This is another 1200m race for three-year-olds and upwards and is the third British leg of the Global Sprint Challenge.

Alverta will be stabled at Newmarket and her groom Leah Gavranich will be travelling with her. It will be the first international trip for both Alverta and Leah, however they have travelled nationally together over the past 2 years and have formed a good bond of trust.

Leading into the race we will continue to document Alverta’s adventures in England and as a stable we are very proud to have her represent us and Arrowfield on an international stage.

Alverta leaves Scone on Sunday for Melbourne where she will be stabled until she leaves for England late on Wednesday night.

AM