Paradis Imperial faces her biggest challenge yet
Rockhampton trainer Tony McMahon believes a big weight is the least of the problems for unbeaten filly Paradis Imperial at Eagle Farm as she chases her sixth win.
Paradis Imperial faces her biggest challenge yet in the Coca Cola Two-Year-Old (1000m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
McMahon had entered Paradis Imperial for the Silver Slipper in Sydney as well as Eagle Farm and a two-year-old QTIS race at Mackay next week.
“The Silver Slipper nominations looked a bit too strong while she would have got a huge weight at Mackay,” McMahon said.
“The barrier (12) in Brisbane is no help but there isn’t much else around for her in the coming weeks so it looks like Eagle Farm.”
Paradis Imperial led all the way to win at Eagle Farm at her most recent start on January 21 but McMahon believes she can win ridden from behind on Saturday even with 59.5kg.
“I have believed for decades that class two-year-olds can carry big weights over short courses,” he said.
“It has been proved for years going to back to Eye Liner and Maybe Lad who won with the equivalent of 69 kilograms on a 47kg limit.”
McMahon at no stage considered a caliming apprentice and will stick with senior rider Nathan Day who has ridden the filly to her five wins.
“Nathan has been a great help with her and he would have been the rider even if we went to Sydney for the Silver Slipper,” McMahon said.
“He had a spell out of the saddle to chase business interests but if anything he is riding better than ever these days.”
