History is aligning for Cavalry Girl as she aims to extend her winning streak in the Group 1 Moir Stakes.
Since the Moir Stakes was moved to an early September date in 2024, both subsequent winners, Baraqiel and Mornington Glory, had previously succeeded in the Carlyon Stakes (1000m) in the lead-up.
Cavalry Girl clinched the Carlyon Stakes at Sandown a mere two weeks ago and is aiming to maintain that perfect sequence when she contests the Moir Stakes (1000m) at Sandown this Saturday.
This year’s Moir Stakes is being held at Sandown as Moonee Valley is undergoing reconstruction, a factor that Cavalry Girl’s trainer Tom Dabernig is fully aware of.
Crucially, Cavalry Girl passed an important test when victorious in the Carlyon Stakes, proving she could handle the demanding uphill finish at Sandown.
Dabernig indicated it would be imprudent not to pursue a Group 1 win with Cavalry Girl, especially given her current excellent form.
Cavalry Girl has triumphed in four of her last five starts, including her last three consecutive races. Nevertheless, Dabernig understands the step up in class the mare faces on Saturday.
“That Carlyon form has traditionally been good into the Moir as well as that benchmark 100 that she won before that as well,” Dabernig commented.
“We’ll follow the pattern and see what she can run well again.
“I realise it’s going to be a different ballgame again, but she’s ticked that box having won at Sandown now and she’s a 1000-metre specialist.
“We might as well give it a go whilst she’s in form, as if you tip them out, you don’t know whether they will come back.
“You could also wait for races over Caulfield Cup week and Melbourne Cup week, and you miss your window.”
Having previously outpaced her rivals in victories at Morphettville and Caulfield Heath before her Carlyon Stakes win, Dabernig mentioned it was pleasing to see the mare relax off the pace.
“It was good to see her come back and prove that she doesn’t have to lead all-the-time,” Dabernig said.
“She is good down the straight (at Flemington) so we might give her a freshen after this for Cup week, but we’ll get over Saturday first and worry about that later.”
Ahead of the Moir Stakes, explore the available betting markets for the race at Australian betting sites.