Recommendation too good in the Bletchingly Stakes

Jockey Blake Shinn had some reservations about Recommendation running a strong 1200m, but the sprinter ticked that box with victory at Caulfield.

A seven-length romp in the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield a fortnight earlier saw Recommendation sent out the $1.40 bookmakers favourite in the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes on Saturday.

As he did in the Sir John Monash, Recommendation led throughout to claim the Bletchingly, however the margin this time was cut to 1-¾ lengths over Semillion ($6.50).

Marble Nine ($11) was a further head away third.

Shinn was full of praise for Recommendation who scored on a heavy rated track that was downgraded from good earlier in day following persistent rain.

“He’s a really genuine horse,” Shinn said.

“I had some reservations coming into today at the 1200 (metres) if there was pressure applied.

“He ticked that box today and we were able to get a nice easy time in front. I was able to rate him around the bend and not push the button too early, therefore he ran the race out well.

“He was getting a little tired that last 50, but the run we had in transit helped him get the job done.

“He’s four now, about to turn five, and there’s some good races in him.

“He’s won the Bletchingly Stakes now and hopefully he can go to loftier heights.”

Trainer Ciaron Maher landed in the UK in time to learn of Recommendation’s victory and assistant trainer Jack Turnbull said the gelding was likely to earn a short break.

Turnbull said early discussions pointed to Recommendation potentially heading to the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Stakes (1200m) at Flemington in September and onto the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley later that month.

“I just had a chat with Ciaron who has just landed in the UK, and he said he’s come back this time a better horse,” Turnbull said.

“He only had a short time out and the way he has prepared from that break, he’s in dynamite form, and it sets him up for a good spring, hopefully.

“Having that chat to Ciaron we might look to the Bobbie Lewis, given that he has won like that over six (furlongs) and maybe we plan ahead to a race like the Manikato if he was to run another figure like he did last start.

“We could give him a breather, if we want. He won’t go out for too long, so he’ll keep that residual fitness and then fire up again.”