Christmas Stakes a better option for Generation

The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace stable thought long and hard about the best option for Generation before deciding on a race at Caulfield.

Generation will run in the Listed Christmas Stakes (1100m) on Tuesday having been scratched from the Listed Kensington Stakes (1000m) at Flemington last Wednesday.

Maher and Eustace assistant trainer Jack Turnbull said the decision to head to Caulfield was based on Generation’s preference for racing around a corner.

Generation has raced down the straight on two occasions previously, finishing out of the money each time, while he is a dual winner at Caulfield.

The slightly longer Christmas Stakes, 1100m compared to 1000m, was also a contributing factor.

“We just thought the 1100 metres, a little bit further and being around the bend would be more suitable,” Turnbull said.

“He ran terrific at Cranbourne last time but probably just drew in the wrong part of the track that day.

“He’s down in class on previous campaigns, but he’s well within his limits to win a race like that.”

Generation has gone 15 starts without a victory having taken out the Group 3 Manfred Stakes at Caulfield in February 2022.

The entire has been a cause of frustration for the Maher and Eustace stable having featured in the placings in a number of those starts, without winning.

“As a young horse Ciaron and Dave thought he would reach a high level, but as he went into his later three and four-year-old seasons, he probably levelled out a touch,” Turnbull said.

“He’s better than Listed grade, and I think he’s up to this race, but he needs to have everything go right.

“He’s very much a momentum horse. If he’s stopped in a race, he can lose his way very quickly.

“He’s a horse that you have to work with, rather than making him do it.

“He’s a bull, a bit of a thinker, but if he gets a smooth run, he can certainly win a race like that.”

With Craig Williams not riding at the Boxing Day meeting, Irish jockey Dylan Browne Mcmonagle takes the ride on Tuesday.