Rare trip to Flemington races for Maher sprinters
Recommendation and Mrs Chrissie, two proven performers from the Ciaron Maher sprinting ranks, are ready to tackle the Flemington straight this Saturday in a competitive 1100m Quality Handicap.
While both horses have made only one prior start at Flemington, their stable is confident in their ability to adapt to the conditions. Mrs Chrissie returns for the first time since May 2023, and Recommendation’s last outing down the straight resulted in a placing in the Listed Century Stakes (1000m).
Assistant trainer Jack Turnbull is optimistic about their prospects, citing their professionalism and experience.
“She’ll be fine and Recommendation is no fool either, so both of ours who we take are going to be well suited,” Turnbull said.
Recommendation comes into the race second-up, a scenario where he boasts a perfect four-from-four record. His most recent run saw him finish just over 2.5 lengths behind the winner in the Listed Bel Esprit Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield.
“He’s unbeaten second up, he’s four from four, so he needs to put his hand up, naturally, but I guess 12 months on we’re the same horse just in worse at the handicaps,” Turnbull said.
“He looks fantastic and is showing no signs of being any different.”
Mrs Chrissie resumes following a forgettable effort in the Group 3 Irwin Stakes in Adelaide, which Turnbull believes was down to travel and weather factors.
“She clearly wasn’t at her best, so we were pretty keen just to back off and reset,” he said.
“Her form prior to that wasn’t bad, and if she bounces back we’ll be in the mix.”
The Flemington program also includes heats for a number of popular series, including the Winter Championship, Creswick Sprint Series, and Mahogany Series.
For those planning to wager on Flemington’s Saturday program, including Recommendation and Mrs Chrissie, compare the latest markets at the best betting sites Australia.
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