Speedy sprinter Recommendation is set to return to the scene of his past triumphs when he resumes at Caulfield this Saturday for his 2024 debut.
Trained by Ciaron Maher, the five-year-old has been nominated for the Listed Bel Esprit Stakes, a $175,000 sprint over 1100m—a trip he has thrived over in previous campaigns.
Recommendation made headlines last winter by stringing together a hat-trick of Group 3 wins at Caulfield, starting with the Sir John Monash Stakes and following up with success in The Heath and the Bletchingly Stakes.
Jack Turnbull, Maher’s assistant trainer, confirmed the gelding is following an almost identical preparation to his successful 2023 campaign.
“He’s literally on a carbon copy of his same prep last year,” Turnbull said.
“We don’t do a lot with him at home because he’s obviously quite quick and we don’t really want to get to the bottom of him.
“He doesn’t have to have softer ground, but if he can get his toe in, I think he’s more effective on that type of track.”
Recommendation’s record at Caulfield also includes a win in the Zeditave Stakes (1200m) early in his career, underlining his affinity with the course.
The Bel Esprit Stakes will be his first start since a 12th-place effort in the Group 1 Hong Kong International Sprint (1200m) last December, a result Turnbull attributes to a long preparation and the challenge of travel.
“Unfortunately, the step up in class and travel probably just caught up with him,” he said.
Heading into Saturday, Recommendation is the top-rated contender in a field that may include Aviatress, Cleo Cat, Extremely Lucky, Fickle, Midwest, Niance, and Title Fighter.
Punters considering a wager on Saturday’s race can browse the latest odds and promotions across top betting sites, especially as Recommendation aims to defend his black-type crown this season.