Tulloch Stakes placegetters likely Australia Derby bound

Following an unsuccessful breeding attempt and brief retirement, Steinem is ready to return to racing at Caulfield.

She will contest the Group 3 Victoria Handicap (1400m) on Saturday, marking her first race since running eighth behind Deny Knowledge in the Group 2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m) at Flemington last November.

Her most notable victory came in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield, where she defeated Melbourne Cup winner Gold Trip.

Now in the hands of Yulong Investments, Steinem has rejoined her initial trainer, Ciaron Maher.

Assistant trainer Jack Turnbull confirmed that the goal is to get her to Brisbane for the winter racing season, increasing her value before another breeding attempt.

“I would say, and this is without speaking to Yulong recently, that she would then try and get in foal again,” Turnbull said.

“She’s in great health, and hopefully, when breeding season arrives, she’ll be in top form to conceive.”

Turnbull mentioned that despite her time away, Steinem has adapted quickly back into the stable routine. However, she did return noticeably heavier than before.

“Since she had been retired, we had to go through the process of reinstating her for racing, and when she returned, she looked as if she was already in foal,” Turnbull said.

“It’s wonderful to have her back. She’s exactly the same in terms of temperament, even in her training.

“She’s a quality mare, and we’re optimistic she can find her best form again.”

Chorlton Lane, her stablemate, is also returning for the Maher team after a short break. His last outing was on February 15, finishing fourth to Rise At Dawn in the Listed The Elms Handicap (1400m) at Flemington.

After a November victory in Canberra, Chorlton Lane went south to finish third in The Supernova at Pakenham before earning Stakes placings at Sandown and Caulfield earlier this year.

“He was in strong form. He put in a massive run in The Supernova and was consistently competitive, so we decided to give him a short spell,” Turnbull said.

“He’s retained good fitness. With only one jump-out, he hasn’t required much additional training.

“He’s a real professional, always thereabouts in his races.”