The Next Episode triumphs in Danehill Stakes, silencing critics

Doubts about The Next Episode's condition following his two-year-old season were put to rest by the Ciaron Maher stable, who never lost faith.

On Saturday, that faith was repaid when The Next Episode claimed the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1100m) at Flemington. This victory sets the colt on a course for the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) scheduled for October 31.

With Mark Zahra in the saddle, The Next Episode ($3.30) narrowly defeated the favoured Natural Fling ($2.70) by a short neck, while Mbube ($16) secured third place a length further back.

Maher shared that the colt's less impressive trial efforts in Sydney had not caused him concern.

He explained that the colt was signalling he wasn't quite ready.

"He had a couple of trials in Sydney and wasn't quite ready, so we brought him down here and he was very slick behind Jimmy (Jimmysstar)," Maher said. "I thought we were right back on track then and I wanted to give him a look down the straight so that wouldn't be an excuse."

"We had a trial here the other day and I was mindful he blew the clock up 10 days earlier and I wanted to keep him on the bit and have him ready for today."

"Then when the rain came, it's documented that he handles that sort of track, so I wasn't concerned."

"It was a beautiful ride by Mark, and he knew what he had underneath him."

"He rides those horses so well, when they need a bit of confidence and it's a credit to him."

Maher indicated that the colt's recovery from his tough Saturday win would be assessed before deciding if another start was needed before the Coolmore Stud Stakes.

The trainer mentioned the Group 3 Blue Sapphire Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on October 17 as a possibility if an additional run was deemed necessary.

"He's thrived and he will still improve," Maher commented. "His coat has to come on a bit, and he should present well in four weeks' time."

"The plan is to have another run, but we'll just see how he comes through. He's a good colt and four weeks is the plan, so we'll see if he has another run."

Punters looking to back The Next Episode in the Coolmore Stud Stakes can check out the latest racing betting markets.