The Follow Files: Maher & Eustace runner on track for cups tilt
With spring just around the corner, more runners are returning to the racetrack to begin their campaigns. In this week’s edition of the Follow Files, we have zeroed in on the Moonee Valley meeting from last Saturday and found three runners that showed signs they are in for a big preparation.
Moonee Valley
Rail position: True entire circuit
Race 1: 3YO Handicap (1000m) | Time: 0:59.78
- Horse to follow: Lakota Fire (1st)
The Mark & Levi Kavanagh-trained Lakota Fire brought up back-to-back wins at Moonee Valley last Saturday when defeating a strong field of three-year-olds in the opening event. This son of Sioux Nation won well at Morphettville last time out and was heavily backed into favouritism on the weekend. Damian Lane settled the colt mid-field before making his move at the 400m mark, after which Lakota Fire lengthened nicely to get the nod over Pride Of Sullivan.
When to bet: Now that Lakota Fire is three starts into his career, it wouldn’t surprise us if he was sent to the paddock for a short break before returning later in the spring. No matter what happens, keep an eye on this guy.
Race 5: Benchmark 84 Handicap (1600m) | Time: 1:10.03
- Horse to follow: Recommendation (2nd)
Recommendation returned as a four-year-old coming off the back of his Group 3 Zedative Stakes win at the end of his three-year-old campaign in February. The Ciaron Maher & David Eustace-trained gelding was sent around The Valley as a $3 market elect with most online bookmakers; however, he settled too far back and flashed home for second place behind Maximillius. Given that this son of Shalaa has led or sat outside the leader at his other six starts, we are going to forgive this run.
When to bet: The Maher & Eustace team obviously has a big opinion of this gelding, and after winning a Group 3 in his second racing preparation, Recommendation appears ready to go to the next level and possibly challenge for a Group 1 title this spring. The Heath 1100 Stakes at Caulfield looks the ideal race for him next start.
Race 7: Benchmark 100 Handicap (2040m) | Time: 2:06.62
- Horse to follow: Floating Artist (1st)
Floating Artist made his way back into the winner’s circle last Saturday, recording his first win since returning from an 18-month layoff due to injuries sustained during his fourth-place finish in the 2021 Melbourne Cup. The eight-year-old gelding rounded up a good field of runners and ran away to post a strong victory in a Benchmark 100 Handicap, indicating that the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace-trained galloper is getting back to his best.
When to bet: Floating Artist is nominated for the Caulfield Cup, but due to his long layoff, he will need to win a qualifier to earn his way into the 2400m Group 1 contest on October 21. In just over a month’s time, the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes at Caulfield appears to be the next step.