Light Infantry Man targets Peter Young Stakes before elite Group 1 challenges
Ciaron Maher's team is evaluating next moves for Light Infantry Man ahead of his Caulfield appearance.
Saturday's Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) stands out as the likely target for Light Infantry Man after his winning return over 1600m at Caulfield a month ago.
Following that run on Saturday, possibilities open up for Light Infantry Man in the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington or Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) at Rosehill.
Each of those features is slated for March 28, with Light Infantry Man having claimed the Australian Cup in the prior year.
Maher contemplated the Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington last Saturday for Light Infantry Man.
The French-bred stayer performs best with a genuine tempo, as demonstrated in his Australian Cup success last year.
"He is one horse that does enjoy (Pride Of) Jenni's speed," Maher said.
"In the Australian Cup when she was ripping along, he was one of the few horses that had a smile on his face during the run.
"(Ethan) Brownie (Brown) put him into the race off a hot speed, so you know he loves a true gallop and the 1800 metres at this stage of his preparation should suit him.
"After Saturday we're looking at the Tancred Stakes potentially with him. The 2400 metres at weight-for-age looks like it will suit him."
Berkshire Breeze from the Maher camp is also poised for the Peter Young Stakes, absent from the track since a last-place finish in November's Sandown Classic (2400m).
The horse is aimed at April's Mornington Cup (2400m), which provides entry into October's Caulfield Cup (2400m).
Chris Waller's Buckaroo and Birdman are set to accompany Light Infantry Man and Berkshire Breeze in the Peter Young Stakes.
On Saturday morning, Buckaroo was discovered with mucus after scoping and pulled from Flemington's All-Star Mile.
According to Waller, the gelding was meant to debut Saturday in the Peter Young Stakes before tackling the Australian Cup.
The Waller runners should visit Caulfield Tuesday for a gallop.
Additional nominees for the Peter Young Stakes comprise Apulia, Astral Flame, Banker's Choice, Chief Little Rock, Gregolimo and Whisky On The Hill.
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