When Sister Madly came to John Sadler’s stable she was a dual Group winner at a career crossroad.
Under his care she blossomed into one of the most consistent sprinting mares of last year’s spring.
She finished in the top two at her four runs, including a second to Sepoy in the Group One Manikato Stakes before bowing out with a victory in the Group Two Salinger.
A throat problem prevented her from racing in the autumn but with the issue rectified, Sister Madly is just weeks away from a return.
“She had a throat problem but she seems to be over that. We’re pleased with her so hopefully she’s in for a good spring,” Sadler said.
“She will probably kick off in the How Now Stakes, a race she won 12 months ago.
“She will have a fairly similar campaign to last year and probably run in the Manikato but instead of the Salinger, with Black Caviar not here we might head to the Patinack.”
Sister Madly, who was bought by Segenhoe Stud for $1 million at last year’s National Broodmare sale, pleased her trainer in a jump-out at Flemington on Friday as did Linton.
Formerly raced by Lloyd Williams, six-year-old Linton was sold after he lost form last spring but at his first run for his new connections he showed some of his old spark with a resolute win at Morphettville in May.
Sadler tipped him straight out and is upbeat about his carnival prospects.
Linton is likely to resume in the Group Two Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington next month.
Although Sadler named the Mackinnon Stakes as his most likely target, Linton has also been entered for the Cox Plate and Caulfield Cup and nothing has been ruled out.
“The way he is at the moment, I’m really excited about him,” Sadler said.
“We’re more looking at the Mackinnon with him but we’re still inclined to keep our options open.”
Linton is a $31 chance for the Cox Plate with TAB Sportsbet and $51 for the Caulfield Cup.
