Trainer Ciaron Maher was understandably disappointed when champion mare Srikandi was allocated the outside barrier for Saturday’s featured Group 1 Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m) on the Gold Coast, but believes she is still in the right condition for success.
Srikandi has posted two wins from as many starts on the Gold Coast. Photo: Daniel Costello
Srikandi charged home to win the Group 2 Victory Stakes (1200m) on Gold Coast first-up this time, and while failing to make anything of an impact in either of the Group 1 BTC Cup (1200m) or Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1350m) in her next two starts, producing a monumental turn of foot to comfortably take out the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1350m) a fortnight ago.
Confident the classy daughter of Dubawi has progressed found even great condition since her Stradbroke Handicap triumph, Maher believes Srikandi remains a leading chance in the 2015 Tattersall’s Tiara, owing to her love of wet tracks.
“She really loves it,” Maher told Racing Ahead.
“Hopefully they’re getting out off the track a bit by that time.
“She’s in great order and that’s disappointing with the barrier but we can’t help that. All we can do is have her in good order, line her up and see how we go.”
Maher initially planned to give Srikandi a brief freshen-up before returning for a 2015 Spring Carnival campaign, but revealed she may instead be put away for a proper spell ahead of the 2016 Sydney Autumn and possible trip to the Royal Ascot Carnival.
“I think she’ll probably be suited by the autumn in Sydney, maybe the TJ (Smith Stakes, 1200m) and then maybe Ascot as well,” he added.
“She’s by Dubawi so they’re pretty sort after over there. There’s a few options for her.”
Srikandi stamped her claims as one to watch over a standout three-year-old campaign through the 2014 Winter Carnival; winning each of the Listed Silk Stocking (1200m), Listed Juanmo Stakes (1200m) and Group 3 Glenlogan Park Stakes (1350m) on her way to a credible third in the Stradbroke Handicap.
Ladbrokes.com.au is currently offering the best 2015 Tattersall’s Tiara odds, for which Srikandi can be taken at a generous quote of $4.50 for success.
