The powerful Ciaron Maher stable is confident the Saturday week’s Railway Stakes (1600m) is the right race for Light Infantry Man to score his maiden Group 1 win.
The six-year-old scored his first win in seven starts under the care of Ciaron Maher in last Thursday’s Listed Chester Manifold Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.
Prior to the last start win, the gelding was unlucky when seventh to Plenty Of Ammo in the Group 2 Crystal Mile (1600m) at Moonee Valley.
Maher’s assistant trainer of his Cranbourne stable Jack Turnbull said Light Infantry Man’s last start warranted a trip to Perth.
“We’ve been thinking about it for some time,” Turnbull told TABradio.
“It works in pretty well with horses that want fast ground and keep running on into the season.
“He was gifted a beautiful ride, and it worked out.
“His start prior he nearly fell.
“Blake (Shinn) got off and said ‘if he got clear running, he would’ve run into a placing’.
“It was good to see him put two together.”
In a further boost to Light Infantry Man’s prospects, champion jockey James Mcdonald is set to fly to Perth and retain the ride.
TABtouch was quick to react to the news of Light Infantry Man coming for the Railway Stakes, where he’s now an equal $6 favourite.
The son of Fast Company is also a $9 chance for the Group 1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) on December 7.
Light Infantry Man will be joined by stablemate Socks Nation on the flight to Perth, following her last start third to Atishu and Amelia’s Jewel in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.
Turnbull said the Queensland Oaks (2200m) winner had shown she was capable of measuring up to races like the Railway Stakes and Northerly Stakes.
“We thought the mile would be at the bottom of her trip,” he said.
“She’s come back a bigger and better mare.
“Given that extra strength, she’s able to round off at a higher level at a lower trip.
“We thought for her pedigree it would be a nice road map into those races.”
Turnbull indicated a jockey for Socks Nation would likely be confirmed in the coming days.
Socks Nation is an $18 chance for the Railway Stakes and a $21 chance for the Northerly Stakes.
