Estriella ripe for the G1 Oakleigh Plate improvement

Despite falling short in past Group 1 outings, Estriella is ready to prove her worth at the top level, with the Ciaron Maher stable confident she can deliver in Saturday’s $750,000 Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield.

The I Am Invincible mare will be one of three Maher-trained runners in the 1100-metre feature, joining stablemates I Am Me and Jimmysstar.

While Estriella has built a reputation for early speed, her team has worked on refining her racing style to help her see out longer trips. Assistant trainer Turnbull explained the approach they’ve taken this campaign.

“We’ve been teaching her to take a sit. In the past, we’ve relied on her speed, but to get a strong six furlongs, she needs to relax early,” Turnbull said. “She’s adapted well in two jumpouts, and we’re hoping to see that translate on race day.”

Estriella has been a key player in four Group 1 events, twice going off as the favourite. Her best result was a fourth-place finish in last year’s Moir Stakes (1000m), which was won by Mornington Glory.

This preparation, she has been trained exclusively at Maher’s Cranbourne stable rather than Fingal, a switch that has had noticeable benefits.

“She’s a lot calmer and more settled here at Cranbourne. She’s just maturing, and the change in environment has helped,” Turnbull noted.

Blake Shinn will take the ride on Estriella in the Oakleigh Plate, with Nash Rawiller booked for I Am Me and Ethan Brown set to ride Jimmysstar.

Among the Oakleigh Plate contenders are several strong rivals, including Mornington Glory, Rey Magnerio, Sghirripa, Arabian Summer, She’s Bulletproof, Ashford Street, and Espionage. Mrs Chrissie remains an entry but has yet to be confirmed as a starter.

Jimmysstar resumes after an impressive last-start win over 1100m at Caulfield, and his team believes the Oakleigh Plate is an ideal starting point.

“We know he’s better suited to longer distances, but the Oakleigh Plate looks like the right race to kick off in. He’s feeling sharp in his work, and this should be a solid starting point before looking at other targets,” Turnbull said, hinting that they opted against waiting for the Abell Stakes next week.

The Oakleigh Plate is one of three Group 1 events on a stacked Caulfield card, with Maher also saddling up Cherish Me, Icarian Dream, and Wiltshire Square in the $2 million Blue Diamond Stakes, while Semana is expected to contest the $750,000 Futurity Stakes (1400m).