Sadler targets Black Type with Merrigold at Caulfield
Trainer John Sadler is on track to seek crucial Black Type for the mare Merrigold during Caulfield action.
Having claimed victory in a benchmark 84 event at 1400m on Caulfield's track last Saturday, Sadler has his sights on the Listed Anniversary Vase (1600m) set for Caulfield this Saturday.
Sadler mentioned Merrigold is a mare known for strong recovery between starts, presenting an appealing shot at Black Type that the team is expected to pursue.
In the event Merrigold contests Saturday, it would be only her second Stakes start, after ending up last in the Group 3 How Now Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield last November.
However, the mare has shown remarkable consistency in races since January began, with two triumphs and three placing finishes from five appearances.
"She backs up very, very well," Sadler said.
"That win on Saturday was good and I haven't got a problem backing her up.
"She comes through her races super and the whole idea this preparation has been, hopefully, being a mare, to get some Black Type.
"We've got a Listed race on Saturday and looking at the nominations, it's not going to be an easy race, but I think she well and truly deserves her place in the field.
"Saturday is Black Type, so that will do me, but then perhaps we could go to Adelaide, but I don't want to get too greedy, as I still think she's climbing the ladder."
According to Sadler, whether to run a horse back-to-back Saturdays depends entirely on the animal's response and performance back at base post-race.
Merrigold, he added, is an ideal candidate.
"She just flies through her races," Sadler said.
"On Monday morning she was five kilos heavier than she was on Saturday morning, which is quite incredible.
"She's a very professional racehorse, one everyone would like."
Nominations for Saturday's Anniversary Vase total 30, featuring the Melbourne Cup placings horse Middle Earth.
The mare Merrigold carries 54kg following Tuesday's weight release.
Discover top online bookmakers offering the keenest racing betting markets for the Anniversary Vase.
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