My Gladiola's connections mull Newmarket Handicap after heavyweight entries
With Jimmysstar and Giga Kick nominated for Saturday's Newmarket Handicap, the prospects of Tentyris joining the field have strengthened, but the announcement hasn't sparked joy across the board.
John McArdle, handler of My Gladiola, would welcome dodging a rematch with the star colt that sent his promising filly into second spot during the Coolmore Stud Stakes and Black Caviar Lightning.
The Mornington-based conditioner intends to scrutinise the handicaps and monitor his stable's standout in her crucial workout Tuesday morning before deciding on entry to Flemington's 1200-metre Group 1 showdown.
"We'll see what he (Tentyris) does and if she doesn't go to the Newmarket then she'd go to Sydney and trial up there and go to The Galaxy," McArdle said.
"I'm 90 percent sure she will run, but there are always factors to consider. We'll see how she gallops in the morning and see what the field comes up like."
Craig Williams will take the mount on My Gladiola, assigned 50.5kg when weights for the Newmarket Handicap emerged late Monday.
Tentyris landed 57kg, exceeding some forecasts because Jimmysstar got 60kg – exceeding the topweight nomination minimum by 1kg.
At the upper end of the weights, Giga Kick carries 59kg yet is tipped for Sydney's Challenge Stakes, Baraqiel has 57.5kg, while Joliestar and War Machine share 57kg.
Encouraging news for My Gladiola's team is the filly, by I Am Invincible, receiving 4.5kg more from Tentyris compared to her 2-1/4-length margin in the Coolmore Stud Stakes, and 5kg better for the three-quarters-of-a-length reverse in the Lightning.
"We obviously had the two kilos in the Coolmore and then a kilo-and-a-half in the Lightning because Jamie (Mott) rode her a half over," McArdle said.
"But it'll be more like five or six kilos in the Newmarket, so that is a factor, but he is a very, very good horse."
In all-in markets with online bookmakers, Tentyris is $1.90 favourite for the Newmarket, My Gladiola co-second at $8 with Angel Capital from Chris Waller carrying 56.5kg.
This weekend at Flemington, the Newmarket Handicap pairs with the $2 million All-Star Mile Group 1, which has 15 entrants led by Pride Of Jenni, Treasurethe Moment, Tom Kitten, Stefi Magnetica and Antino.
Head to top Australian betting sites to find competitive odds on the Newmarket Handicap showdown.
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