Blue Diamond Prelude over Inglis Millennium for My Gladiola
Trainer John McArdle has opted to keep promising filly My Gladiola in Melbourne, despite being invited to contest a lucrative restricted race in Sydney. His focus remains on securing a Group 1 victory.
The $2 million Inglis Millennium (1100m) is set to take place at Randwick on Saturday, coinciding with the Group 2 fillies’ division of the Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) at Caulfield.
My Gladiola made an impressive debut, claiming victory in the Group 3 Blue Diamond Preview (1000m) at Sandown on January 25. With the prestigious Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on February 22 looming, McArdle sees staying in Melbourne as the best course of action.
“They (people from Inglis) rang me and asked if I was coming,” McArdle said regarding the Sydney invitation.
“She is eligible for the race and qualified, but with the view that the Blue Diamond is her target, it’s a bit hard on a young horse to take them to Sydney and then come back down and race again.”
My Gladiola currently leads the betting markets for the Blue Diamond Stakes at $4, though upcoming Prelude results could shift the rankings.
McArdle was pleased with the filly’s debut, highlighting her ability to accelerate when needed.
“I usually do take them off the bridle before race day, but she ran around a bit (in her jumpout) so that made it hard for Jamie Mott to do that a bit,” McArdle said.
“That was the question she needed to answer, and it was good to see her respond.”
Having previously won a jumpout at Caulfield Heath before her Sandown run, McArdle is eager to see how she handles the Caulfield track again.
He noted that My Gladiola seemed slightly unsettled at Sandown due to the open spaces after leaving the chute.
“Jamie did comment that when she came out of the chute and into the wide-open spaces that she had a good look,” McArdle said.
“She physically is a big girl, she carries a bit of condition and still has got a fair bit on her, but she did a bit of evens on Saturday morning, and she was spot on doing it.
“All the data was good, she was lovely and relaxed, so she looks to be in really good order.”
More Racing News
Sir Kingsford's local Cups campaign begins at Morphettville Parks
A pursuit of a Melbourne Cup start has been abandoned for the South Australian galloper Sir Kingsford, who will now focus his attention on local Cup races.After securing second place in the Port Adelaide Cup at Morphettville in May, Sir Kingsford then travelled to Flemington to compete in the Andrew...
Nearco Frod seeks fifth win in a row at Sandown
The training partnership of Tony and Calvin McEvoy possesses a thorough understanding of equine development.Last year, after a period spent in the warmer climate of Queensland, Half Yours returned to claim a double in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.Half Yours is once again bound for the Melbourne Cup, with a...
Signature Scent primed for Carlyon Stakes challenge
A 1000m dash at Stakes level has been on the radar for Signature Scent for some time, according to the Ciaron Maher stable.Notwithstanding a recent failure to place in a three-year-old event, the stable sees no impediment to her contesting the Group 3 Carlyon Stakes (1000m) at Sandown this Saturday.Having...
Idle Flyer's Spring Carnival Path Tested in Winx Stakes
Trainer Matthew Smith is keen to assess Idle Flyer's capabilities against top competition as she begins her spring campaign in the Winx Stakes at Randwick, with the Cox Plate looming as a potential target.After a dominant performance in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) in the autumn,...
Apocalyptic primed for Randwick return, says Berry
Just as Ninja made a statement with his Missile Stakes win two weeks ago, stablemate Apocalyptic will be on a mission to do the same when she launches her campaign in the Toy Show Quality at Randwick.Dominant in the Princess Series as a spring three-year-old, Apocalyptic performed below expectations in...
Almairac's Adelaide venture after frustrating draws
Despite a string of unfavourable barrier draws in the past week, trainer Cliff Brown is taking a calculated risk by sending Almairac to Adelaide.Almairac has faced wide gates at recent starts, including last Saturday in Sydney and Wednesday at Sandown. On Saturday, the gelding will again jump from a challenging...
Screen Icon's prospects brightened by Rosebud result
Trainer John Thompson received a positive sign from the Rosebud race, even without a runner, which has bolstered his confidence for Screen Icon's upcoming appearance in the Silver Shadow Stakes at Randwick.The recent running of the Rosebud saw Chilly Girl emerge victorious, finishing a half-length ahead of Screen Icon in...
Ceolwulf poised for spring resurgence
Trainer Joe Pride is optimistic about the return to form for Ceolwulf, a four-time Group One winner, after an abbreviated autumn campaign.The star miler, who had his spring campaign cut short after just two starts last time in due to foot concerns and a minor bleed, will make his reappearance...
Tennessee aiming for seventh consecutive win
Ciaron Maher's stable possesses a remarkable ability to nurture older mares, bringing out their best performances.One can point to the examples of Bella Nipotina and Pride Of Jenni, who continued to perform at a high level throughout their careers.Tennessee Bound, while perhaps not in the same calibre, boasts a notable...
Rosehill trials feature Headwall and emerging talent
While the Winx Stakes contest between Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi is capturing attention this week, Rosehill barrier trials are also a significant drawcard as several equine stars intensify their preparations for their return to racing.Headwall, a contender for The Everest, will undertake his third trial over 900 metres in...