From the moment of her debut win, trainer John McArdle has envisioned Group 1 glory for capable filly My Gladiola.
Twice those visions were disrupted, initially by a bad draw in the Blue Diamond Stakes and then an inside post in the Coolmore Stud Stakes on Flemington’s straight last spring.
Prospects look bright for My Gladiola in the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) at Flemington this coming Saturday.
My Gladiola takes the wide gate in the eight-horse field while McArdle seeks a third Group 1 success, his first after more than 20 years.
“The outside draw suits her better than being inside,” McArdle said.
“In the Coolmore she was drawn down on the inside and had to follow Tentyris, this time she should be in clean air all the way and he will need to chase her down.”
She has three prior runs up the straight, triumphing in the Listed Cap D’Antibes Stakes (1100m) and runner-up on the other occasions.
My Gladiola debuted successfully at Sandown but was defeated first-up at Caulfield last campaign, her trainer emphasising her preference for the Flemington straight over Caulfield’s turns.
This played into the decision for Saturday’s race rather than the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield next Saturday, plus Jamie Mott riding My Gladiola 0.5kg over her limit at 54kg.
Last seen third in the Thoroughbred Club Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield mid-November, after a three-week let-up she geared up for these two prominent Flemington sprints, following with the Newmarket Handicap (1200m) on March 7.
A further trial was ideal for McArdle’s liking for My Gladiola, yet a Tuesday gallop at Mornington indicated preparedness.
“Jamie galloped her on Tuesday morning and was happy with the way she went,” McArdle said.
“We put a mate out in front of her to give her something to chase and all the data was good.
“She’s probably a touch above her racing weight, but I think that’s because she’s matured and strengthen up a bit more.
“She’s a powerful girl, but we can’t be unhappy with the way she’s got to the races, so we’ll see if she’s good enough and if she is, and runs well, then we’ll head to the Newmarket.
“Jamie’s happy with her and he’s getting down to 54 kilos to ride her.
“That gives us some confidence.”
Fans looking to back My Gladiola can find competitive prices via online bookmakers for the Black Caviar Lightning.
The post my-gladiola-in-search-of-maiden-g1 first appeared on Just Horse Racing.
