Black-type riches await The Next Episode post handicap success
The $2.8 million yearling The Next Episode, sent out as the $2.60 favourite, faced momentary traffic in the straight prior to muscling clear and storming to victory in Wednesday's Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1000m), prevailing by a length against Under Focus ($11).
The juvenile was returning for his debut run after a small setback post his non-placing in November's Golden Gift (1100m), with his preparation timeline now excluding the Golden Slipper in a week's time on Saturday, yet keeping the Group 3 Kindergarten Stakes (1100m) at Randwick scheduled for April 4 firmly targeted.
"He has always shown plenty of talent and that's why we got him started in the Golden Gift last preparation," trainer Ciaron Maher's assistant Jo Gerard-Dubord said.
"But things didn't work out on the day. He drew badly and got a squeeze at the start, and he pulled up a bit off after the race.
'We gave him time, a chance to mature. He's come right and he's a lovely horse going forward.
"The Golden Slipper could have been an option, but it has come a bit soon. He's very sharp and the Kindergarten looks a nice race."
In the MyPlates Handicap (1000m), John O'Shea alongside Tom Charlton revealed an encouraging two-year-old through winner Satono Glow ($5).
The filly, on debut, lingered towards the rear before accelerating sharply to dispatch her competitors, earning consideration for an entry into the Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) set for Randwick on April 11.
"We've got a potential black-type filly on our hands in time, we hope," co-trainer Charlton said.
"We don't need to make too many decisions today. We will look after her. There are some options this campaign if needed but there are also some in the spring."
Dylan Gibbons took the mount on Satono Glow after top rider James Mcdonald copped a suspension for careless riding during Saturday's Randwick meeting and elected to commence it promptly.
"James was booked for her," Charlton said.
"Dylan does a great job for us, so I'm sure James can leave a maiden out of his weekly wins."
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