A slow start cost Srikandi any chance in the BTC Cup but her trainer Ciaron Maher is confident she can bounce back in her next Group One assignment in the Doomben 10,000.
The mare was slow into stride in the BTC Cup and finished eighth in the 1200m race won by Hot Snitzel on May 9.
Maher says Srikandi has done well since that outing and will go into Saturday’s 1350m race in excellent order.
He is still trying to work out why the daughter of Dubawi missed the start, although he hasn’t put her through the starting gates since.
“She’s never done it before as she’s usually one of the quickest out,” Maher said.
“I looked at the stewards’ view and there didn’t look to be much going on around her.
“She can be a bit touchy and whether he was trying to straighten her as the barriers opened, who knows.
“I’m not sure what went on but it wasn’t ideal.
The Victorian trainer opted to miss the Melbourne spring with Srikandi to save her for the carnival in Brisbane where she won three races last year.
Damian Browne, who has ridden the mare in both her runs this campaign including her first-up win in the Victory Stakes at the Gold Coast on April 25, will again take the ride.
Maher said Srikandi worked in good order on Saturday morning and would have another gallop on Tuesday morning.
“She did a bit of work on Saturday and seemed all right,” Maher said.
“I’ll go and watch her gallop on Tuesday and might stay up there.
“I’ll see how the weather is.
Our Boy Malachi, third in his first Group race in the BTC Cup, is the $5 Doomben 10,000 favourite ahead of Srikandi at $6.
A full field of 16 is expected for Saturday’s race.
