Trainer David Pfeiffer is thrilled with the condition of Cradle Me in the lead-up to the 2016 Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m), and is confident the mare will be tough to beat in the feature race at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Trainer David Pfeiffer is thrilled with Cradle Me ahead of Saturday’s Group 1 Tattersall’s Tiara at Eagle Farm. Photo: Steve Hart
Cradle Me has been the stable star for Warwick Farm-based Pfeiffer through her entire racing career so far, but has undoubtedly stepped up a class since returning to competition for fifth in the Group 3 Wenona Girl Quality (1200m) on March 5th.
Having progressed to fourth in the Group 3 Birthday Card Stakes (1200m) a fortnight later, Cradle Me placed fifth in the Group 2 Sapphire Stakes (1200m) on Day 2 of The Championships but failed to handle the Hawkesbury conditions when eleventh in the Group 3 Darley Crown (1300m) on April 30th.
Responding in good fashion for third in the Listed Luskin Star Stakes (1300m), the Easy Rocking mare has been particularly impressive since arriving in Brisbane; running second in the Group 3 Glenlogan Park Stakes (1350m) before taking out the Group 2 Dane Ripper Stakes (1400m) a fortnight ago.
Confirming Hong Kong-based hoop Zac Purton will retain the ride in the 2016 Tattersall’s Tiara, Pfeiffer told The Courier Mail he is confident the mare will lay a typically good account for herself on Saturday; albeit in another step up in class.
“Her last couple of starts have come against the same type of horses she will be meeting on Saturday, so she has to be a great chance” Pfeiffer said.
“Obviously Azkadellia is a benchmark but, who knows, she might have come to the end of her preparation.
“We just have to cross our fingers for a decent barrier and I’m sure she will race well again.”
Cradle Me has claimed an impressive eleven race wins and as many minors through fifty competitive appearances since first appearing on course during the spring of 2011.
Cradle Me remains tied on the third line of early 2016 Tattersall’s Tiara betting markets at a quote of $6 with Ladbrokes Australia.
2016 Tattersall’s Tiara nominations are due by midday today, while a final field and barrier draw are set to be completed and released on Wednesday.
