Mr Individual debuted to racing for a commanding win over 1100m on June 11th, and co-trainer Troy Corstens is confident the colt is up to the class of Saturday’s Group 3 McNeil Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.
Michael Rodd will take the ride on Mr Individual in Saturday’s McNeil Stakes at Caulfield. Photo: Sarah Ebbett
Jumping from the gates well in the Mosstrooper Maiden (1100m) at Bendigo, champion jockey Damien Oliver immediately settled Mr Individual off the pace of the race’s early leaders, who flew the barriers and set a noticeably quick tempo towards the turn.
Rounding onto the final straight blocked and with plenty to do, the Starspangledbanner colt immediately responded when asked for an extra effort by Oliver; mustering a huge turn of foot to hit the line comfortably in the clear of closest rival Deputy Dan.
Understandably pleased with his debut performance, Corstens told Racing Ahead Mr Individual has taken great benefit from a brief freshen-up and is confident his racing style and conditions of the 2015 McNeil Stakes should prove ideal.
“He’s really developed mentally which he probably needed to do,” Corstens said.
“He looks very similar to his father but he’s actually very different on the track. He really looks like a miler or a 2000m horse whereas his father was sprint, sprint, sprint.
“We’re very happy with him and he’s matured nicely and doing everything right at this stage.
“He’s really workman-like but when it comes to game day he gets his game face on and knows when to produce.
“I don’t think we’ll be changing anything so he’ll be going back and just settle, relax because there should be good pace in the field and if we’re finishing off we’ll be ecstatic.
“He’s fit enough to win, I’m not saying he can’t win but there might be something more brilliant on the day.”
Corstens is yet to set a path for Mr Individual through the Spring Carnival, but confirmed the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) in mid-October will figure as the colt’s major target should he be competitive in the McNeil Stakes.
“We’ll go full steam ahead on the Guineas if he runs well tomorrow,” he added.
Ladbrokes.com.au is currently offering the best 2015 McNeil Stakes, for which Mr Individual represents exceptional value at $11 for success.
