A talented filly who was once prominent in betting for Melbourne’s most coveted juvenile race is on track to return at Caulfield this Saturday.
Trained by Ciaron Maher, Cherish Me is among the entries for the Senet Gambling Law Experts Handicap (1200m), with Craig Williams set to take the reins.
Previously, Cherish Me debuted with a win at Geelong under Thomas Stockdale before Jamie Mott took over for the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on February 22. Sent out as the $6.50 second favourite, she ultimately finished ninth behind Devil Night.
After that Blue Diamond run, Cherish Me was sent to the paddock for a spell. In preparation for her return, she has completed two jump-outs—an easy first outing followed by a second-place finish on the Cranbourne Synthetic track on July 14 with Williams aboard.
Trainer Ciaron Maher is confident the filly has come back well and is primed for her return to competition.
“She did really well during her break, and I think she’s still getting there,” Maher said.
“We’ve had a high opinion of her from the first time she went to the races. She’s got good ability, and I think she’ll keep furnishing.
“Timing wise, the Quezette would work, but we could also have Signature Scent going there as I think it would be a nice race for that filly.”
The Group 3 Quezette Stakes (1100m) on August 16 at Caulfield is a potential second-up option, while longer-term plans may include the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield in October.
“She relaxes very well in her races so she could get a little bit further and she does have a beautiful action,” Maher said.
Maher will also saddle Brazenga, who showed promise with a third-place finish on debut at Bendigo in March.
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