The skilled filly My Gladiola, under trainer John McArdle, makes her Flemington return targeting a stakes score on the straight course.
In Saturday’s Listed VRC Sprint Classic (1100m), My Gladiola looks to break through for a win after two starts on the Flemington straight this season.
McArdle hasn’t shaken off the poor Newmarket Handicap result, as My Gladiola, the $4.80 co-favourite, trailed in tenth behind winner Caballus without firing.
Her March 7 Group 1 clash at 1200m against veteran sprinters was the first without jockey Jamie Mott in a career of 10 outings, featuring two wins and six placings.
McArdle described the Newmarket as finished before it began at the jump.
“She came out of the run no problems, but it was a complete disaster from the start,” McArdle said.
“We’ve just got to forget it happened and we start again.
“It was looking good leading up to the race, but as soon as they jumped it all went pear-shaped, but she came through it well, which is the main thing.
“A half-million-dollar race down the straight over 1100 metres, it should be ideal for her.
“We’ll lick our wounds and go back and have another go.”
With 56.5kg Saturday, Mott reclaims the ride on My Gladiola after her 50.5kg in the Newmarket was under his standard.
McArdle plans a tilt at the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) in Morphettville on April 25 after this engagement.
Group 1 glory eludes My Gladiola’s record, though she has twice filled second to Tentyris on the Flemington straight at Group 1.
“The Sangster should be a good race,” McArdle said.
“She’ll get in with 54-½ (kilos), and Jamie can ride her in both races,” McArdle said.
“He knows her well and hopefully it will work out better than what her last run did.
“It’s four weeks after Saturday to the Sangster. She’ll have a trial in between and she should be good to go.”
My Gladiola probably won’t double up two weeks after Sangster in the Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville on May 9, McArdle believes.
“She hasn’t had a good record of backing up in two weeks, but we’ll decide that after she runs in the Sangster,” McArdle said.
“If she runs well, she’ll probably get put away to get ready for the spring.”
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