Melbourne’s weather will decide whether Victoria’s leading stable will be represented in Saturday’s feature event at Caulfield, the $200,000 Sir John Monash Stakes.
How Womantic is Ciaron Maher and David Eustace’s lone entry for the 1100-metre Group 3 and Eustace said there was one key factor that would determine whether she takes her place.
“She needs firm ground, so we’re going to need to be lucky (with the weather),” Eustace said.
The Caulfield track was rated a Soft 5 on Monday with little prospect of rain until later in the week with a chance of showers late on Thursday and into Friday. Saturday is expected to be partly cloudy with a top temperature of 14.
How Womantic will be lining up for the third start of her campaign if she takes her place in the Sir John Monash Stakes.
After a promising first-up third placing at Flemington on May 14, the daughter of The Wow Signal headed to Swan Hill for the $150,000 Golden Topaz (1200m) but beat home just one rival when a $6.50 chance, which Eustace put down to the Soft 5 surface.
“Her first up run was really good down the straight, but then she ran poorly in the Topaz on that shifty ground at Swan Hill,” Eustace said of the rising six-year-old.
How Womantic is one of 14 nominations for the Sir John Monash Stakes with entries extended until 10am Tuesday.
Peter Moody’s Caulfield Sprint winner Oxley Road heads the entries with Group 3 winner Felicia, three-time Listed winner Mileva, Caulfield Guineas runner-up Aysar, in-form Ashford Street and Saturday’s Santa Anas Lane Sprint third placegetter Sartorial Splendor among others nominated.
