Sir John Monash Stakes 2025 test for Cleo Cat at Flemington

Tom Dabernig is preparing Cleo Cat for a test run down the Flemington straight this Saturday, where the talented mare is likely to contest an 1100m heat of the Santa Ana Lane Sprint Series.

The stable hopes the run will answer a key question—can Cleo Cat handle the testing Flemington straight? The answer could determine her path over the coming months.

If she adapts to the straight track, Dabernig is eyeing off the Listed Santa Ana Lane Sprint Series Final (1200m) and the Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap (1200m), both at Flemington in July and August.

However, if she’s more comfortable around a turn, alternative targets include the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) on July 12 and the Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) later that month at Caulfield.

“We’re looking as though we’ll go to Flemington to run in an 1100-metre open handicap on Saturday which will be a bit of a test run,” Dabernig said.

“There’s a Listed 1200-metre race two weeks later that may suit her, or if we see that she doesn’t handle the straight we just scrap that for the Sir John Monash Stakes and the Bletchingly Stakes.

But if she does, there is the Aurie’s Star up the straight as well.

There are plenty of options for her, but I just want to see her down the straight as it will open up a few doors if she goes well down there.”

With seven wins from nine starts and a Group 3 win in the Proud Miss Stakes (1200m) to her name, Cleo Cat has proven her class. Her only defeats came in tough conditions, including a heat-affected run at Geelong and a strong second in the Bel Esprit Stakes (1100m).

She will have a final gallop at Warrnambool on Tuesday before Dabernig locks in her Flemington assignment.

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