Trainer Brendan McCarthy is hoping the predicted rain for Melbourne this weekend arrives to enhance the chances of his first up specialist Murt The Flirt in the Group 3 $150,000 PFD Food Services Monash Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
A wet track would enhance the chances of Murt The Flirt, above in blue colours, in the Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.
Murt The Flirt’s first up record reads three form four and the five year old will be stepping out for the first time since finishing eighth in a 1350m Doomben Handicap on February 11.
While Murt The Flirt has won three of his four races on a good tracks, McCarthy believes that he would be better suited with some moisture in the track on Saturday.
The Caulfield track was rated a Good 4 on Friday morning but McCarthy is hoping the Bureau Of Meteorology are correct with their forecast of showers for Melbourne on Friday and Saturday.
“He’s coming into the race at a good time of the year for him,” McCarthy told racing.com.
“Just a little bit of sting out of the track (would be good).
“We’re due to get some rain on Friday, so if we do get a few showers just to keep that little bit of softness in the track it would be great.”
“With his fresh record – it is excellent, he’s run some terrific races first up – it’s the time to have a go at a race like this.”
McCarthy was also expecting to be facing a slightly tougher field but multiple Group 1 winner Flamberge and the well performed Dothraki didn’t accept but the number one saddlecloth holder and Group 1 placed Lord Of The Sky will head up the opposition.
“It’s definitely weaker than the weights looked as though as it was going to be, a few of those better horses didn’t accept, which is great,” McCarthy said.
Regular rider Chris Symons will take the ride and be in charge of finding a nice trailing position on Murt The Flirt from barrier nine in the ten horse Monash Stakes field.
The Mick Kent trained Supido is also Group 1 placed with a good first up record as well and has been installed as the $2.15 favourite for the Monash Stakes at Ladbrokes.com.au while Murt The Flirt is marked at $14.
Supdio will jump from barrier five with Luke Nolen in the saddle while Lord Of The Sky ($5.50) has drawn the inside gate with Aaron Lynch booked to ride.
Former West Australian galloper Chocolate Holic, now trained by Darren Weir is also well in contention in the betting at $5.
Craig Williams takes the mount on Chocolate Holic who has also drawn out at barrier eight.
