Estriella on song for the Sunlight Classic
The Ciaron Maher stable holds high hopes for Estriella, but the future of her campaign will not be determined until after she runs at Flemington.
On offer after the Listed Sunlight Classic (1100m) on Saturday is a trip to Sydney for a Group 2 race against her own age, or a trip to Adelaide for a Group 1 contest against her own sex.
Jack Turnbull, who runs the Cranbourne stable for Maher, said there was a possibility the filly could take on both challenges next month, but all that won’t be decided until after Estriella gets through Saturday’s sprint against three-year-olds.
The Group 2 Arrowfield Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on April 13 and the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville on April 27 are under consideration for the filly.
The Maher stable won the Robert Sangster Stakes last year with Ruthless Dame and followed up winning The Goodwood (1200m) two weeks later with Royal Merchant who were both three-year-olds when successful in those Group 1 races.
Turnbull said Estriella profiles as a similar type to that pair.
“She’ll go to the Sunlight and then potentially onto the Arrowfield Stakes up in Sydney, all going well,” Turnbull said.
“And then if she was to travel after Sydney, it would possibly be to Adelaide.
“I don’t think she would go to Brisbane, but ultimately Ciaron would make that call.
“She models similar to a Ruthless Dame and a Royal Merchant, but everything comes down to how she performs in the Sunlight.”
Estriella has raced only six times, registering three wins, and is unbeaten in Victoria.
She resumed with a first-up win in the Kevin Hayes Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield last month before winning the Inglis Sprint (1200m) at Flemington on March 2.
Turnbull said that straight track experience was invaluable.
He added the filly has been taken along quietly since but had a ‘working gallop jump-out’ at Cranbourne recently, being competitive with fellow Sunlight Classic contender I Am Unstoppable.
“She’s been four weeks between run, and she went really well,” Turnbull said.
“That was the idea. Get her stimulated and do a bit more without doing too much.
“She is a very talented horse.”
More Racing News
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...
War Machine back in winning form at Caulfield
A great deal has transpired for War Machine over the past twelve months.On the equivalent weekend last year, the horse trained by Ben, Will, and Jd Hayes, War Machine, was competing in Sydney for The Everest.While the results didn't align with the Lindsay Park trainers' aspirations, War Machine had entered...
Saintly Dancer's Thousand Guineas triumph highlights Shinn's comeback
Jockey Blake Shinn has celebrated his first Group 1 win since recovering from a significant leg injury, as Saintly Dancer dictated terms from the front to capture the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.Shinn endured a fractured leg from a fall during last year's Melbourne Cup and made his return to competitive...
Chains Of Love's stunning Kosciuszko win defies the odds
In a truly remarkable turn of events, Chains Of Love, despite her challenging draw and a run wide for the entirety of the race, managed to surge past Band Of Brothers in a thrilling conclusion.This victory marks a consecutive win in The Kosciuszko for the training partnership of Paul Messara...
Grafterburners triumphs in Sydney Stakes after declining Everest start
Kelly Schweida, the trainer, has disclosed that he declined an offer for an Everest slot for Grafterburners to focus on its $2 million consolation race. This decision has proven to be a masterstroke, as the colt has claimed a thrilling Sydney Stakes victory at Randwick.The Queensland trainer felt his charge...
So You Are books Melbourne Cup ticket after St Leger triumph
The connections of improving stayer So You Are can celebrate a successful outcome, as the horse has overcome a pre-race incident to position itself favourably for a Melbourne Cup start.In Saturday's St Leger Stakes (2600m) at Randwick, the Bjorn Baker-trained $3.30 favourite, ridden by Tommy Berry, demonstrated resilience to fend...
Caulfield Classic and Ethereal Stakes Produce New Classic Hopefuls
The complexion of the Spring Carnival's two major Group 1 Classics was altered on Saturday with the emergence of two significant new players at Caulfield.King Snitz has propelled himself into Victoria Derby calculations following a last-stride triumph in the Caulfield Classic, while Quick Finish has climbed the Oaks betting charts...