A filly that was high up in markets for Melbourne’s most prestigious two-year-old race is set to make her return at Caulfield.
The Ciaron Maher-trained Cherish Me is an acceptor in the Senet Gambling Law Experts Handicap (1200m) on Saturday.
Craig Williams takes the ride on Saturday after the filly had been ridden by Thomas Stockdale in her debut win at Geelong before Jamie Melham jumped aboard in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on February 22.
Cherish Me was put away for a break following that assignment in which she was sent off the $6.50 second favourite, finishing ninth behind Devil Night.
The filly has had two jump-outs in preparation for her return, given an easy time in her first hit-out, beating just one runner home before Williams was aboard when the filly finished second on the Cranbourne Synthetic track on July 14.
Maher said Cherish Me had a good break following the Blue Diamond Stakes and was ready for her return to racing.
He said the filly was back earlier than usual with the view of giving Cherish Me an outing prior to a potential start in the Group 3 Quezette Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on August 16.
“She did really well during her break, and I think she’s still getting there,” Maher said.
“We’ve had a high opinion of her from the first time she went to the races. She’s got good ability, and I think she’ll keep furnishing.
“Timing wise, the Quezette would work, but we could also have Signature Scent going there as I think it would be a nice race for that filly.”
Maher said Cherish Me relaxes well in her races and he could see the filly extending out in trip and potentially being aimed at the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield, which this year is back in its traditional October date.
“She relaxes very well in her races so she could get a little bit further and she does have a beautiful action,” Maher said.
The Maher stable will also be represented by Brazenga, who at his only outing finished third in a maiden race at Bendigo in March.
