Priced at $2.8 million as a yearling, favourite The Next Episode ($2.60) suffered a brief check in the latter stages before charging through a gap and quickening impressively to secure Wednesday’s Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1000m) victory, a length ahead of Under Focus ($11).
Representing his first outing since a minor injury halted him after failing to place in the Golden Gift (1100m) last November, the return date eliminates chances in the upcoming Saturday Golden Slipper, but the Group 3 Kindergarten Stakes (1100m) over 1100m at Randwick on April 4 stays a key objective.
“He has always shown plenty of talent and that’s why we got him started in the Golden Gift last preparation,” trainer Ciaron Maher’s assistant Jo Gerard-Dubord said.
“But things didn’t work out on the day. He drew badly and got a squeeze at the start, and he pulled up a bit off after the race.
‘We gave him time, a chance to mature. He’s come right and he’s a lovely horse going forward.
“The Golden Slipper could have been an option, but it has come a bit soon. He’s very sharp and the Kindergarten looks a nice race.”
John O’Shea and Tom Charlton identified a talented youngster in the shape of MyPlates Handicap (1000m) winner Satono Glow ($5).
Debuting, the filly trailed the field initially then produced a devastating finish to reel in the leaders, slotting her into the mix for the Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on April 11.
“We’ve got a potential black-type filly on our hands in time, we hope,” co-trainer Charlton said.
“We don’t need to make too many decisions today. We will look after her. There are some options this campaign if needed but there are also some in the spring.”
The ride on Satono Glow went to Dylan Gibbons following James Mcdonald’s suspension for careless riding at Randwick on Saturday, which the champion accepted without delay.
“James was booked for her,” Charlton said.
“Dylan does a great job for us, so I’m sure James can leave a maiden out of his weekly wins.”
Sports betting options for the Kindergarten Stakes are live on premier betting sites.
