Cantiamo's impressive win creates dilemma for trainer Lees
Trainer Kris Lees continues to back Randwick conqueror Cantiamo for another attempt against stakes rivals, although decisions on the precise timing and venue could shift.
Originally, Lees eyed the Listed Denise's Joy Stakes (1100m) next month at Scone, but the style of the filly's triumph in Saturday's The Third Australian General Hospital Handicap has caused him to reflect.
For much of the straight, Cantiamo was held up behind the field, emerging into clear running room with 100m remaining and making full use of the 1200m trip to surge through a late split courtesy of Jason Collett to win.
"It's good to get a Saturday win with her. She's a really nice filly," Lees said.
"It was a good win. I didn't think she was going to win at the furlong (200m), but she got a lovely run through from Jason and she got there on the line.
"Going into the race, we were thinking of going back to 1100 for the Denise's Joy, so we'll just have to have a chat to Jase and see which path we take.
"She is certainly up to stakes company. We'll see when we get there."
Cantiamo has secured four wins from her eight career starts and performed creditably in the Group 3 P J Bell Stakes (1200m) on her prior run, going down by only two lengths to Plaintiff.
According to Collett, things deviated from the script in Saturday's contest as the filly missed the start, yet her recovery spoke to her class above the opposition.
"I just needed a bit of luck. Jellicious didn't take me as far as I needed, and thankfully a split opened up at the furlong marker," Collett said.
"She settled better today. She was very keen last start, but today she was more even, which I think is a sign she could get a bit further.
"She was good late. She needed to quicken and do it in a short amount of time, and it was a good effort."
The $2.70 favourite Cantiamo got home by a head over the $10 chance Ernaux, with $6 shot Spice Baby sticking on gamely for third a further short head behind.
Check out online bookmakers for the best betting markets on Cantiamo's upcoming stakes challenge.
More Racing News
Extragalactic's Flemington mission in McEwen Stakes
While many in the racing world will lament the closure of the old Moonee Valley track, trainer Trent Edmonds isn't lamenting the timing of its renovation.This Saturday marks the first Cox Plate meeting to be held away from 'The Valley', and Edmonds is set to be at Flemington with Extragalactic,...
Blind Raise's faith rewarded with Cox Plate start
Trent Busuttin is aware that if the primary goal was to secure a Group 1 victory, the more prudent strategy would be to send Blind Raise to Sydney for this Saturday's Spring Champion Stakes.Nevertheless, he also recognises that the type of opportunity that has arisen this year is not a...
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...