Like most trainers and owners with a talented mare, Tony Noonan is keen to see Herbert Park eventually compete at Stakes level.
However, for now, he is happy to let her continue developing and gaining race experience before making the step up in class.
As part of that progression, Noonan has selected The Mystic Journey (1100m) at Caulfield this Saturday as her next challenge.
Herbert Park will be having her second run this campaign, following a last-place finish in a five-horse field over the same course and distance on February 22, where she finished behind Samangu.
In preparation for Saturday’s race, Noonan took Herbert Park to Caulfield for a gallop on Tuesday, expecting her to deliver an improved performance.
“This mare has had one run back and we just felt with three weeks between runs, it would have her perfectly prepared for Saturday,” Noonan said.
“They didn’t go hard in the race first-up, and those horses that were on speed were able to kick clear on the turn. That left her a little flat-footed, and she probably ran out of condition in the last bit.”
“She’s better suited when there is a genuine tempo. She is still learning racecraft and seems to perform best when she can build into her run, so hopefully, that plays out on Saturday.”
Herbert Park showed her potential last winter, stringing together three consecutive wins, including a victory on soft ground at Caulfield.
Noonan is keen to see if she can replicate that form on firmer footing this weekend.
“Most of her best form is on soft ground, so this is a good opportunity to find out if she has a strong preference for those conditions,” Noonan said.
“She’s a gross mare, so leaving her in the paddock for too long wouldn’t have been ideal. She’ll have this run, and then we may ease off and look at racing her again when the tracks soften later in the season.”
“If she performs well enough, she could have a trip to Sydney at the back end of their carnival, or there’s a Stakes race in Adelaide in May that might suit her, so we’ll assess her placement accordingly.”
“She’s in great condition, and her work has been strong, so I have no doubt she’s as fit as we can have her. Hopefully, that translates into a strong showing on Saturday.”