Trainer David Pfeiffer has confirmed that in-form mare Cradle Me will have her next race start in the 2015 Canterbury Classic following her impressive victory in the Razor Sharp Handicap.
Cradle Me will have the chance to record another win at black-type level in the 2015 Canterbury Classic. Photo by: Steve Hart
Cradle Me started her summer campaign with a flat fifth in the Listed Starlight Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens on November 28, but she produced some outstanding closing sectionals to come from the tail of the field and record an upset win in the Listed Razor Sharp Handicap (1200m) at Royal Randwick on December 12.
Pfeiffer told Sky Racing HQ that he did not expect Cradle Me to return to winning form in the Razor Sharp Handicap, but he said he was thrilled that the Easy Rocking mare is back to her best ahead of her major goal this preparation.
“It was a very exciting win and it gives you goose bumps when you think about it,” Pfeiffer said.
“She was still last at the 250, 300 metre mark – a horse can do that going through their grades, but when they get to stakes level it is pretty inspirational.
“She has been going well, but when you have barrier 16 at Randwick and you know you will be getting back to last then you sort of write them off and hope that they just run a good solid race.
“It was a good surprise to have, but it is very hard to have confidence when you are drawing the car park.”
Pfeiffer confirmed that Cradle Me will have the opportunity to add another black-type race win to her resume when she contests the Listed Canterbury Classic (1200m), but he said that her entire summer campaign has been planned around a tilt at the $1 million Magic Millions Fillies & Mares Handicap at the Gold Coast on January 9.
“The whole preparation has been aimed towards the Fillies & Mares Magic Millions race on the 9th of January,” Pfeiffer said.
“From here we are headed to the Canterbury Classic at Randwick on Boxing Day and then we will head to the Gold Coast for that race over 1300 metres.”
Cradle Me was purchased at the 2010 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for just $3000, but this will be the first time that she has returned to the Gold Coast for the Magic Millions Meeting.
She has now recorded nine race wins from her 42 race starts and accumulated just under $500,000 in prizemoney for connections.
