Ciaron Maher is pleased with the condition of latest stable acquisition Girl Guide ahead of her likely return to racing in Saturday’s Listed Bel Esprit Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield.
Girl Guide is poised to have her first start for Ciaron Maher in Saturday’s Bel Esprit Stakes at Caulfield. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia
Girl Guide was a strong and consistent performer for David Hayes and Tom Dabernig through each of her first three racing preparations, but failed to make anything of four starts through the 2016 Spring Carnival; ultimately leading to her transfer to Maher’s Warrnambool stables.
Pleased with the work produced by the classy daughter of Churchill Downs this morning, Maher told Racing Victoria he believes a change in scenery should see a return to competitive form for the six-year-old this time.
“We’ll accept and have a look,” Maher said of Saturday’s Bel Esprit Stakes.
“She had a sharp gallop over 600m and worked well.
“We’ve just changed it up a bit for her. She’s been down at Warrnambool and I think the change has brought her on.
“We’ll have to wait and see race day whether or not she really come back to form.
“She’s got a lot of ability, has had a few little niggles and things but she seems pretty good.”
Girl Guide has posted a commendable six wins and five minors through nineteen career starts since making her debut to racing during the autumn of 2014.
Ending her maiden preparation a credible third in the Group 3 Proud Miss Stakes (1200m), Girl Guide returned to racing in the spring of 2014 in exceptional condition; winning the Dr Sheahan BM90 (1200m) by more than three lengths first-up before making a successful return to black type company with a resounding win over classy company in the Group 3 Cockram Stakes (1200m) in September.
Progressing to close second place finishes in each of the Group 3 How Now Stakes (1200m) and Group 2 Tristarc Stakes (1400m), Girl Guide returned to the paddock following a commendable performance for sixth in the Group 1 Myer Classic (1600m).
The 2016 Bel Esprit Stakes field and barrier draw is due to be completed and released by midday, Wednesday (April 20th).
