David Pfieffer insists hidden merit in Cradle Me’s first test at stakes level will be the key to her chances at Rosehill on Saturday.
Pfieffer has enjoyed better results in stakes races than the one returned by Cradle Me in the Dark Jewel Classic at Scone.
But rather than be disappointed in her midfield finish, Pfieffer is using the run as a genuine guide to her prospects in the WN Bull Funerals Sprint (1300m).
“She was back on the fence in behind the leading bunch when not many of them made ground on the day,” Pfieffer said.
“I thought it was a pretty solid run.”
Cradle Me was beaten less than two lengths into seventh in the Listed race, a finish Pfieffer says sets the mare up perfectly against lesser opposition from an inside barrier at Rosehill.
“Coming back to benchmark race after racing against stakes-class fillies and mares seems a good fit for her,” Pfieffer said.
Cradle Me gives young rider Sam Clipperton an undeniable chance of stretching his lead over Jenny Duggan in the Sydney apprentices’ title.
Clipperton rode Cradle Me in the Dark Jewel after the four-year-old showed off an impressive turn of speed for another apprentice, Courtney Van Der Werf, in a Warwick Farm win.
In an open betting race, Cradle Me ($4.80) is the early favourite over Gullible ($5.50)
