A dominant win by Srikandi in the Glenlogan Park Stakes at Doomben has convinced trainer Ciaron Maher she is worth paying a late entry into the Stradbroke Handicap.
Srikandi made if five wins in a row and kept her unbeaten Queensland record intact when she won the Group Three sprint by 1-1/4 lengths from Belle De Coeur ($12) with Platinum Rocker ($4.20) a similar margin away third.
Connections will have to part with $46,200 for a late entry into the Group One Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm on June 7 but Maher believes it is worth rolling the dice.
“You have to have a gamble if they’re fit and well like she is and if she trains on well I think we will pay it,” Maher said.
Maher said Srikandi’s unflappable temperament has enabled her to cope with each winter carnival test.
“Nothing really worries her and she’s a straightforwad filly to train,” he said.
“In the Stradbroke she’s likely to get the minimum of 50.5kg and with a light weight like that she’d be there somewhere in the mix.”
Srikandi provided jockey Glen Boss with a perfect birthday present for his mother Lorraine who was trackside to lead the cheering.
Boss was impressed with Srikandi’s win but, as he did after her win last week, kept a firm lid on expectations.
“She’s a very good filly but we’ll need to assess her win in the cold light of day,” he said.
“It will be interesting to compare her time with the older horses in the Doomben 10,000 before we can make a final judgment.”
Boss said Srikandi’s foolproof racing style makes her a gilt-edged racing prospect.
“I wanted to see how good she was (on Saturday) and she didn’t disappoint me,” he said.
“Coming out of the gates she was looking to relax and I could’ve ridden her behind the others without any trouble at all which is great from a future viewpoint.
– AAP