Baraqiel will head to the paddock for a brief freshen-up after his gritty second in the Manikato Stakes, with trainer Troy Corstens confirming the Group 1 winner pulled up jarred following last Friday’s run.
The Bennett Racing-owned sprinter, a late starter who did not debut until age five due to setbacks, has built an imposing record of eight wins from 13 starts, highlighted by last year’s G2 McEwen Stakes, the Listed Carlyon Stakes and most recently the G1 Moir Stakes.
Turning for home at The Valley he loomed as a major threat to add another elite success, but couldn’t reel in Charm Stone, and Corstens noted the horse’s action didn’t feel quite right late.
Even so, he clung on for second—banking $360,000 for connections—before connections opted for a short let-up, effectively quashing any The Everest talk this spring.
“He’s actually jarred up a little after Friday night, so we’re going to give him a little break,” Corstens said.
