Through Irish Eyes on road to the Flemington Cup
There is no doubting the staying credentials of Through Irish Eyes, but the question remains is he ready to put his best foot forward after a long injury lay-off.
The Ciaron Maher-trained galloper steps up in journey in the Deane Lester Flemington Cup (2800m) on Saturday, his third run in just under two years.
Through Irish Eyes won the Listed VRC St Leger (2800m) at Flemington as a three-year-old and the following year ran second in the Group 2 Brisbane Cup (3200m) at Eagle Farm before running second in the Flemington Cup in 2022.
The gelding had one more start that preparation, again finishing second over 2530m at Flemington before spending 22 months away from the racetrack.
“He injured a tendon,” Maher’s assistant trainer Jack Turnbull said.
“He went through the rehab process and has been given a slow build-up.
“Given that time off and being the staying horse he is, there has been a little of trust put in the horse to get up to a suitable trip.
“He’s not a fast horse, so hopefully 2800 metres, third-up, we start to get closer, and he starts getting warm getting out to that trip.”
Through Irish Eyes was beaten more than 10 lengths first-up at Sandown and was then just over four lengths behind stablemate Wyclif at Caulfield over 2000m last time out.
Turnbull described both efforts as a pass mark while also noting he needs to improve.
“It is hard to come back from a tendon and hit the ground running,” Turnbull said.
“I like to see them get a bit of racing under them, blow the cobwebs out and usually that brings them on.
“He’s trained on well at Ballarat. Dec (Maher) and the team up there have been happy.
“He looks terrific, his fitness levels are good, it’s just a matter of him getting back into the swing of things on race day.
“If he got back to form, he’s clearly got the ability, and good flat ability, then he could run a race.”
Turnbull said the stable was still weighing up whether to run Alakahan in Saturday’s race, saying the contest was not overly strong.
Alakahan was a last start Warrnambool hurdle winner but is also an acceptor for the Brendan Drechsler Hurdle (3500m) at Pakenham on Sunday.
More Racing News
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
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...