The Follow Files: Maher’s progressive galloper targets Stradbroke
With the Queensland Racing Carnival kicking off last Saturday, this week’s edition of The Follow Files will focus on three runners that are expected to play a role in some of the Listed and Group races over the next two months. Below, you will find three runners that you should add to your blackbook after producing strong results at Eagle Farm and Caulfield last weekend.
Caulfield
Rail position: +8m entire circuit
Race 10: Benchmark 84 Handicap (1400m) | Time: 1:23.11
- Horse to follow: Chorlton Lane (1st)
Chorlton Lane recorded his second win in as many starts this campaign, as the Ciaron Maher-trained gelding launched late to nab Bigolino in the shadows of the winning post over 1400m. The son of Mehas was slightly held up at the top of the home straight, but once Celine Gaudray got him into clear galloping room, he let down with his customary booming finish. With a record of five wins and four placings from 10 starts, Chorlton Lane is starting to build a strong resume and will get his chance in black-type races soon.
When to bet: Post-race, Ciaron Maher’s stable foreman Jack Turnbull confirmed that the stable has nominated Chorlton Lane for the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap. However, to get into the Stradbroke, he will need to win another strong race to raise his handicap rating, and we will be following him wherever that may be.
Eagle Farm
Rail position: +7m entire circuit
Race 6: Listed Dalrello Stakes (1000m) | Time: 0:56.89
- Horse to follow: Embassy (2nd)
Embassy entered the Dalrello Stakes first-up off a two-month freshen, and that lack of race fitness was evident over 1000m, as the Peter & Paul Snowden-trained colt couldn’t keep up with the leaders early but finished the race off strongly. Although he was beaten by Mishani Lily, the son of I Am Invincible took significant ground off the winner in the final 100m, and they spaced the rest of the field. Rising in distance to 1100m or 1200m next start could be the recipe for success for this colt.
When to bet: The next race in the Queensland 2YO series is the Group 2 Spirit Of Boom Classic on May 18 at Doomben. If the Snowden team sends Embassy to that race next start, he will prove very hard to beat over 1200m.
Race 7: Benchmark 78 Handicap (1200m) | Time: 1:10.33
- Horse to follow: Warby (2nd)
Tony Gollan trained the trifecta in the seventh race at Eagle Farm last Saturday, and Warby was in the middle of the three runners as the four-year-old gelding was narrowly beaten by Immoral over 1200m. Given that the son of Hellbent was first-up, he produced a strong fresh run to go down in the final stride, with his fitter stablemate getting the better of him very late in the piece. With a strong record second-up (4:2-0-0), it is expected that he will improve off that run and will appreciate a rise in trip.
When to bet: If Tony Gollan can find a race over 1350m or 1400m in a similar grade second-up, Warby will get every chance to go one better and record another win.