Standout mare Srikandi has continued her perfect record on the Gold Coast this afternoon; posting a second-consecutive victory at the highest level in the featured Group 1 Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m) ahead of Avoid Lightning.
Srikandi posted a second-consecutive Group 1 victory in this afternoon’s Tattersall’s Tiara on the Gold Coast. Photo: Daniel Costello
Srikandi’s chances for success appeared to take a huge blow mid-week when she was allocated the outside gate, but the Dubawi mare bounded from the gates in the Tattersall’s Tiara and immediately took up the running with Godolphin entrant Hazard.
Remaining at the fore of the field and setting a reasonable tempo, Srikandi rounded onto the final straight with a clear racing line and immediately responded when jockey Kerrin McEvoy asked for an extra effort; pulling comfortably ahead and producing a strong-enough sprint to hit the line half a length ahead of Avoid Lightning; Lumosty boxing on for third.
McEvoy delivered a gem of a ride aboard Srikandi in the 2015 Tattersall’s Tiara and was quick to lay all the praise on the class exhibited by the four-year-old and the training efforts of Ciaron Maher.
“It wasn’t ideal but when I got here today and had a look at the track I hatched a bit of a plan to be handy but just to sort of control it and place her on the track where I wanted to be,” McEvoy said.
“She’s a little gem. She travelled so well and got through that ground lovely.
“Ciaron was really happy with her coming into it and she felt in great order before the start so I was pretty confident.
“It was my first win on the Gold Coast so nice to snare that one but it’s great to be up in the sun and winning a big race.”
Maher was thrilled with Srikandi’s performance in the 2015 Tattersall’s Tiara and confirmed she will return to the paddock following this afternoon’s success.
“She came through the Stradbroke great and her coat’s even come on. Her weight was very similar and we just gave her a couple of easy gallops,” Maher said.
“She got the track again today – she was really sharp from the barrier which was the key to the race and Kerrin McEvoy, a super ride again.
“I knew the track had a bit of wear and tear and while it wasn’t ideal, I was happy enough to take barrier 1 in the Stradbroke so I was happy enough to take the wide barrier here.
“We programmed her for the five races up here this campaign and the four Group 1s, and to be able to secure two of them it’s just unbelievable.
“She’ll probably have a break up here and we’ll have to sit down tonight and have a think about it.
“A lot of work goes into her and a great result to finish the Carnival.”
In taking out the 2015 Tattersall’s Tiara, Srikandi extended her impressive race record to nine wins and a further two minors from only 13 competitive starts.
