Trainer McArdle eyes Group 1 success for My Gladiola at Flemington

John McArdle, the trainer, has nurtured Group 1 dreams for skilled filly My Gladiola from her very first triumph on debut.

Yet those aspirations faced setbacks twice: an unfavourable starting position in the Blue Diamond Stakes and subsequently an inner gate in the Coolmore Stud Stakes on the Flemington straight during last spring.

Fate seems to be favouring My Gladiola ahead of her entry in the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) at Flemington on Saturday.

With the widest stall in a field comprising eight, McArdle aims for his third elite-level victory, the first in more than 20 years.

"The outside draw suits her better than being inside," McArdle said.

"In the Coolmore she was drawn down on the inside and had to follow Tentyris, this time she should be in clean air all the way and he will need to chase her down."

Previously, My Gladiola has tackled the straight on three outings, securing the Listed Cap D'Antibes Stakes (1100m) win and second places in the remaining two.

A Sandown debut victor, My Gladiola was unsuccessful upon fresh return at Caulfield last time in, and her trainer asserts she excels more on the Flemington straight than bending at Caulfield.

That factor contributed to opting for this Saturday's feature instead of the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield next week, alongside jockey Jamie Mott riding My Gladiola half a kilo overweight at 54kg.

Since her third in the Thoroughbred Club Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield in mid-November, My Gladiola enjoyed a three-week spell and returned focused on the duo of key Flemington dashes, next up the Newmarket Handicap (1200m) on March 7.

Although McArdle desired one more trial, a gallop at Mornington Tuesday convinced him of her readiness.

"Jamie galloped her on Tuesday morning and was happy with the way she went," McArdle said.

"We put a mate out in front of her to give her something to chase and all the data was good.

"She's probably a touch above her racing weight, but I think that's because she's matured and strengthen up a bit more.

"She's a powerful girl, but we can't be unhappy with the way she's got to the races, so we'll see if she's good enough and if she is, and runs well, then we'll head to the Newmarket.

"Jamie's happy with her and he's getting down to 54 kilos to ride her.

"That gives us some confidence."

Check the racing betting markets for the best value on My Gladiola in the Black Caviar Lightning.

The post my-gladiola-in-search-of-maiden-g1 first appeared on Just Horse Racing.