Recommendation back for 2025 Bel Esprit Stakes

Recommendation is set to return to racing on Saturday at Caulfield, a track where he has previously made a name for himself with commanding sprint victories.

The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding has been nominated for the Listed Bel Esprit Stakes, which will be run over 1100 metres.

During last winter, Recommendation flourished over this course and distance, recording decisive wins in the Sir John Monash Stakes and The Heath.

He also bagged the Bletchingly Stakes during that preparation, with Maher’s team hoping for a similar campaign this time around.

“It’s the same path as last year,” said Jack Turnbull. “We’ve kept him ticking over with light work. He’s naturally sharp and doesn’t need much to be ready.”

Turnbull added that Recommendation’s effectiveness increases when he finds a slightly softer surface underfoot, though he remains competitive on all ground types.

The Group 3 Zeditave Stakes is also among Recommendation’s Caulfield conquests, highlighting the venue as a clear favourite for the horse.

His last start was a 12th-place finish in the Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint, a performance Turnbull attributes to the long season and overseas travel demands.

“It just got too much for him at that stage,” Turnbull said. “But he’s back in great shape and ready to go again.”

Recommendation faces a field that could include Niance, Title Fighter, and Midwest, with Saturday’s race serving as a key stepping stone for his winter Group race campaign.

Racing fans can expect plenty of action in the betting markets, and the latest odds for this and other features can be found via trusted Australian betting sites.