Baraqiel primed for William Reid Stakes following venue change to Caulfield
While the move of the William Reid Stakes to Caulfield may not be perfect for Baraqiel, the Leon and Troy Corstens and Will Larkin-trained speedster is aimed squarely at the event.
Customarily held at Moonee Valley, the William Reid Stakes (1200m) concludes the Melbourne Group 1 program for the year.
Moonee Valley's closure persists until the 2027 Cox Plate owing to rebuild efforts, meaning Caulfield will stage this season's version of the elite sprint.
At Moonee Valley, Baraqiel has excelled, claiming the Group 1 Moir Stakes win and a second placing in last spring's Manikato Stakes, and he also succeeded at Caulfield once over Saturday's distance back in June 2024.
Saturday's challenge comes after his recent fourth to Tentyris in the Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on February 14.
A spot in the March 7 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) was planned for him, but he was pulled out on the eve of the race after blood tests raised alarms.
"He literally had a 24-hour virus," co-trainer Troy Corstens said.
"He left a little bit of feed, which is very unlike him, so we knew straight away something wasn't right.
"So, you check all extremities.
"Was there a bird in his feed? - No. Was there anything else wrong? No. Did he have water? Yes, but then his temperature was just on the edge.
"So, we took a blood, and it showed it wasn't right. His markers were up a little bit which told us he wasn't spot on.
"He was a tiny bit dull in the eye, which one of the staff picked up on straight away, and in the end, we couldn't run him.
"We don't take chances, especially going into a Group 1 like that, you need to be spot on.
"If they're not, you can run them and then flatten them and then it's preparation over."
Corstens, Larkin and team have struck hot form lately, with two victories at Caulfield last Saturday building on three wins at the venue on February 21.
The stable can breathe easy as Baraqiel's campaign presses on.
The horse proved his well-being by winning a trial gallop at Flemington last Friday.
"He trialled last week and we were really pleased with it. He seems great," Corstens said.
Discover the latest racing betting markets ahead of the William Reid Stakes action.
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