The weights are not in Baraqiel’s corner for his shot at one of Australia’s elite sprint features, the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington.
Only three horses have won the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) since metric weights began in 1973 while carrying above 57.5kg; the event occurs Saturday.
Hay List bore 58.5kg when victorious in 2012, with Black Caviar carrying 58kg the previous year in her perfect record, same as Shaftesbury Avenue back in 1991.
Redkirk Warrior also carried Baraqiel’s 57.5kg to a second success in 2018, after his lighter 52.5kg win prior.
Baraqiel carries a heavy load, but trainers Leon and Troy Corstens and Will Larkin believe it’s conquerable.
Baraqiel dons blinkers initially to chase a follow-up Group 1 after his Moir Stakes (1000m) conquest at Moonee Valley last spring.
On Saturday, it will be Baraqiel’s second run this prep, following fourth to Tentyris in the Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington February 14.
Go down 1.6 lengths then, Baraqiel receives a 3kg allowance now.
“I reckon he’s improved a lot out of that first-up run,” Larkin said.
“We trialled him last Friday just to tick him over and he’s going there in good order.
“We weren’t there to give him a real good test in the trial. We put the blinkers on him for the first time, and we wanted to get him out the back and see if he would settle.
“He managed that really well, so the blinkers will go on him on Saturday.”
Saturday’s Flemington straight may aid those finishing strongly, though Larkin sticks with barrier three over wider gates.
He feels it fits Baraqiel, considering the gelding lays in, and being trapped for a late burst is beneficial.
“I prefer the inside draw to one outside,” Larkin said.
“We’re going to try and ride him like we did in the Moir. Smother him in there and leave it all late as his turn of foot is his asset and hopefully that gets him to the line.”
Next is the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield March 21 after this weekend, plans adaptable thereafter.
“The William Reid has always been his Grand Final,” Larkin said.
“He’ll spin around the bend, third-up, which looks like it will shape up as a good race.
“After that we have got plenty of options for good prize money. There have been some talks about The Quokka or may be going up to Sydney as well.”
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