Getting a horse to peak twice in a preparation is not easy but trainer Ciaron Maher believes Stradbroke Handicap winner Srikandi is up to the task.
A convincing winner of Brisbane’s premier sprint at Doomben last Saturday week, the mare lines up again on Saturday to try to claim the final Group One race of the season, the Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m) at the Gold Coast.
Srikandi
Srikandi became just the second mare since Capris in 1936 to win the Group One Stradbroke (1400m) and will be one of the favourites in the Tiara.
Mid Summer Music broke the long Stradbroke hoodoo for mares in the 2012 Stradbroke before being unplaced in the Tiara while Dane Ripper won both races as a filly.
“She is going super,” Maher said.
“I aimed to peak her in the Stradbroke. She was good up there first-up and then she had a little niggle and was a bit soft in the 10,000.
“She tightened up again for the Stradbroke, so she’ll be every bit as good on Saturday.”
The Tattersall’s Tiara is at the Gold Coast because Eagle Farm is undergoing a major renovation and Srikandi has already shown her liking for the circuit.
“Against fillies and mares at the Gold Coast over 1400 metres, if she draws well it’s an ideal race for her,” Maher said.
“She has had two starts at the Gold Coast for two wins.”
Srikandi won the Silk Stocking Stakes at the track last year and the Victory Stakes first-up this preparation.
After her Victory Stakes success, Srikandi bungled the start in the BTC Cup at Doomben and performed below expectations in the Doomben 10,000 before bouncing back in the Stradbroke.
Srikandi’s Tiara rivals will include popular grey mare Catkins, who is chasing first Group One win.
Hazard, who beat Catkins in the Dane Ripper Stakes, will also be there as will Avoid Lightning, a close third in the race last year.
