Promising filly Cherish Me will bypass traditional lead-up races and trials as she prepares for the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) on February 22. Trainer Ciaron Maher has opted to keep the Geelong Diamond winner fresh, ruling out a start in the Blue Diamond Prelude or recent jumpouts.
Assistant trainer Jack Turnbull explained the stable’s patient approach: “We were just seeing how she was and conscious of her long term.” After a six-day break following her debut win, Cherish Me will go seven weeks between runs before tackling Victoria’s premier juvenile race.
Her final preparations include a gallop on Tuesday and a jumpout at Cranbourne on February 10. “She will have a gallop on Tuesday… and trial her on the 10th (of February) and get ready for the Diamond,” Turnbull confirmed.
The $280,000 Brazen Beau filly is currently an $11 chance in the Blue Diamond market, aiming to follow in the footsteps of previous Geelong Diamond winners.