Where will we see Well Written this spring?

New Zealand’s emerging star Well Written is set to take the next step towards an Australian spring campaign, with connections bullish about her prospects of making an impact across the Tasman.

Producer Louie Clifton joined SENTrack & RSN’s Giddy Up with Gareth Hall after receiving the news from trainer Stephen Marsh, who confirmed Well Written will return to the races next Saturday in the Group 1 Proisir Plate over 1400m at Ellerslie.

The mare is currently the favourite for the feature, with the Proisir Plate set to provide her with an important spring launchpad before a potential trip to Australia.

Marsh’s plan is clear: if Well Written can get the job done next weekend, she will be aimed towards the Group 1 Epsom Handicap before progressing to the $10 million Golden Eagle.

And if her trainer’s confidence is anything to go by, she could arrive in Australia in career-best order.

Connections believe Well Written is “absolutely flying” heading into her first-up assignment, setting up plenty of intrigue around what she could produce against some of Australia’s best milers this spring.

The Epsom already looms as an enticing target, particularly with several of the names that would traditionally shape the market unlikely to take their place.

Gareth Hall asked David Gately whether he would be taking the price currently available about Well Written for the Epsom.

“Yeah, especially if Autumn Boy isn’t there, but they’re very hard races to win,” Gately said.

The potential absence of Autumn Boy would only add to the appeal, with Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi also not expected to contest the Epsom. Both mares are among the headline acts of the Sydney spring, with Sheza Alibi already earmarked for the Golden Eagle.

Hall believes the current price could prove very difficult to secure if Well Written produces the performance connections are expecting.

“If everyone knew this news I don’t think she’d be $7.50 in the race, especially considering there will be no Sheza Alibi or Autumn Glow,” Hall said.

That sentiment was backed up by Bet365's Ben Caluzzi, who went one step further when assessing where Well Written could sit in the Epsom market.

“She’ll start favourite,” Caluzzi said.

The Proisir Plate therefore takes on added significance, with Well Written’s performance potentially shaping the perception of her Australian spring campaign.

A strong win over 1400m would not only strengthen her credentials for the Epsom but could see her quickly emerge as one of the horses to follow heading towards the Golden Eagle.

For now, all roads lead to Ellerslie next Saturday, where the favourite will attempt to take the first step towards what could be a lucrative Australian campaign.