A brave call from trainer Ciaron Maher to miss the spring carnival with Srikandi was vindicated when the mare made a triumphant return to racing in the Group Two Victory Stakes (1200m) at the Gold Coast on Saturday.
Srikandi
After a stellar winter carnival campaign last year, Srikandi was being aimed at the Group One Myer Classic during the Melbourne spring carnival but Maher pulled the plug when he wasn’t happy with her progress.
“I didn’t think it would be in her best interest taking on Group One level if she wasn’t going to be firing on all cylinders,” he said.
“I decided to give her a good break and lay a foundation for another go at the winter carnival.”
Ridden for the first time by Damian Browne, Srikandi, the $3.70 favourite, travelled comfortably in third place to the home turn, tracking Ball Of Muscle ($5.50).
After a short tussle, Srikandi edged clear to win by a length from Ball Of Muscle with Dances On Stars ($26) three quarters of a length away third.
Maher will start Srikandi in the Group One BTC Cup (1200m) at Doomben on May 9.
The $2 million Group One Stradbroke Handicap (1350m) at Doomben on June 6 and the Group One Tatt’s Tiara (1400m) at the Gold Coast on June 20 are the mare’s prime winter goals.
Maher hasn’t ruled out completely a start in the Group One Doomben 10,000 (1350m) for Srikandi a fortnight before the Stradbroke but is leaning to sticking with his original schedule.
Browne said Srikandi would take plenty of benefit from Saturday’s victory.
“She was on the fresh side today but that run will do her the world of good,” he said.
“I thought I had Ball Of Muscle cold at the furlong but to his credit he fought on really well but in the end my mare was too strong.”
