Too much, too soon.
That’s the argument against Tiger Dimejan winning Saturday’s Mode Plate at Listed level at only her second start, coming off a midweek maiden win at Doomben.
Her jockey Ric McMahon has a different opinion.
McMahon says a lack of depth among Tiger Dimejan’s rivals should enable the filly to make the transition successfully.
“Normally it’s a big step up from midweek company to Saturday grade but they look a fairly even bunch and it’s definitely a winnable race for this filly,” he said.
Trainer Kelly Schweida gave the nod for Tiger Dimejan to start in the Mode (1200m) after her dominant win at Doomben on November 28.
McMahon rode the filly that day and was impressed with her acceleration.
“When I asked her for an effort she put them to bed pretty quickly,” he said.
“She ran good time and as soon as she left the barriers she jumped straight into the bridle and travelled strongly.”
Like most first starters, Tiger Dimejan raced greenly at various stages but McMahon wasn’t expecting waywardness to be an issue on Saturday.
“Being her first start in a race she got a bit lost for a couple of strides but nothing to worry about,” he said.
“She’s still got a fair bit to learn but with natural improvement I think she’s got what it takes to go to the next level.”
Bookmakers agree with McMahon’s assessment.
Tiger Dimejan has been given top billing in pre-post betting at $4.50 with TAB fixed odds.
Lady Colours ($7), a rival of Tiger Dimejan, will race in a tongue tie after her impressive barrier trial win at the Gold Coast last Tuesday.
“She sat off them in the trial and I liked the way she finished it off,” trainer Bruce Hill said.
“The wide barrier makes it a difficult task for her but she’s doing everything right.”
Hill is hoping for a few showers to take the jar out of the track for Lady Colours and stablemate Caliente who is resuming from a spell in the same race.
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