Co-trainers Leon and Troy Corstens, along with Will Larkin, are taking a cautious approach before committing to a Baraqiel return in Saturday’s Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield, as the comeback sprinter continues his return from injury.
The stable is waiting until final acceptances to make a call on the lightly raced six-year-old, who is among 12 early entries for the feature, including James Cummings trio Kin, Kallos and Inhibitions, as well as New York Lustre and Shadhavar. Nominations remain open until Tuesday morning.
Corstens admitted the 1200-metre trip isn’t ideal first-up for Baraqiel, who is resuming from another setback after a promising start to his career. “I would have loved it to be 1100 metres,” he said. “At 1200, he’s going to be fresh, and he’ll take a stack of fitness from it.”
Baraqiel’s career has been interrupted by two serious injuries — a hind suspensory issue before debut and a front leg injury following his third in The Meteorite at Cranbourne. The stable utilised their Benalla property, including a hyperbaric chamber, to assist with his recovery.
A six-time winner from 10 starts, Baraqiel showed encouraging signs with a sharp jump-out win last week at Flemington over Arkansaw Kid. “It was a busy morning, and he ran the second quickest heat. He had a good puff afterward but came through well,” Corstens said.
“This is only his second proper prep. His fitness is good — not perfect, but that’s expected with the time off. Whatever he does Saturday, I’ll be telling the owners he’ll only improve from it.”
Looking ahead, the stable has earmarked the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on AFL Grand Final eve as Baraqiel’s ultimate spring target.
“We’re working backwards from the Manikato,” Corstens said. “If we run on Saturday, we’ll likely have three runs into it. Otherwise, we might give him two. We’ll make a call later this week.”
Ben Allen has been booked for the ride should Baraqiel line up at Caulfield.
Check out odds for the Bletchingly Stakes and upcoming spring features at Australia’s leading betting sites.
