Two-year-old Black Sail will attempt to give trainer Ciaron Maher a second VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes in the past three years when he steps out for just his second start at Flemington.
Black Sail is the outsider of the field in Saturday’s Group Two 1400m-race at $26 after finishing fourth on debut at Sandown recently in a 1300m-race won by Sires’ Produce favourite Eshtiraak.
Maher won the VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes with stable star Jameka in 2015.
The Caulfield trainer says Black Sail is still a raw product but believes stepping up another 100m suits on Saturday.
“I liked the way he got through the line at Sandown,” Maher said.
“I think he’s going to most likely be a better three-year-old and out over a trip.
“But I’m happy with how he’s come out of his first run and the 1400 metres should only be to his liking.”
The Lindsay Park stable won last year’s VRC Sires’ Produce with Seaburge who came through the corresponding Sandown race as Eshtiraak has leading into Saturday.
Seaburge was second in the 1300m Sandown race a year ago to Revolving Door before turning the tables in the Sires’, with Revolving Door finishing third.
Eshtiraak is one of three runners for Lindsay Park co-trainers David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig along with Feng Chu, who was third to Eshtiraak last start, and Yue Fei.
Eshtiraak, aiming for his fourth-straight win, is at $2.10 with WilliamHill.com.au.
