John Sadler joked that ‘trainer stubbornness’ was the reason Merrigold hadn’t been tested over 1600m prior to her victory at Flemington on Saturday.
The five-year-old mare had previously been kept to trips between 1000 and 1400 metres, but showed her versatility when stepping up in distance to claim the Vobis Gold Distaff (1600m) in convincing fashion.
Although she had gone winless in six runs this preparation, Merrigold had hinted she was close to a breakthrough, including a solid fourth at big odds in the Vobis Gold Bullion (1400m) behind Persian Spirit two runs earlier.
Sadler admitted he had his doubts about the mare running a strong mile, but she proved him wrong under a patient ride from Jye McNeil.
Settling off the speed, Merrigold finished strongly to score by two lengths over Make It Sweet ($11), with Jimmy The Bear ($5.50) producing an improved performance in third.
“I really wanted to run her in a mile race,” Sadler said.
“Everybody was keen to see how she would go over a mile, including myself, but I really doubted that she’d run it.
“She was given a beautiful ride and every chance to run it, but I was surprised how strong she was at the end of it.
“She ran right through the line and that’s probably her best win.”
After a productive previous campaign in which she won four of seven starts, Sadler said several factors had gone against her this preparation before everything finally came together.
“Last campaign she won four and ran second three times, but this time she hadn’t won until today,” he said.
“Her only bad run was on a very wet track which she doesn’t handle, and the rest of her runs were probably a bit unlucky.
“Everything went right for her today and she was really strong.”
With her staying credentials now established, punters can follow Merrigold’s future targets through leading Australian betting sites.
Sadler indicated black-type races may now be on the agenda to further enhance her value.
“That’s what you’ve got to look for now,” he said. “It would be the icing on the cake to win a black-type race.”
The post Mile no issue for Merrigold first appeared on Just Horse Racing.