Arguably the standout performer over the 2014 Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival, trainer Ciaron Maher has confirmed talented mare Srikandi will not return to racing for the 2015 Sydney Autumn Carnival, but will instead be kept for a return north to chase maiden Group 1 success.
Srikandi will skip the 2015 Autumn Racing Carnival to target winter Group 1 success in Brisbane. Photo: Daniel Costello
Breaking through for a maiden black type victory in the Listed Silk Stocking (1200m) in what was also her first appearance in Queensland on May 3rd, Srikandi continued to impress in taking out both the Listed Juanmo Stakes (1200m) and Group 3 Glenlogan Park Stakes (1350m) before placing a credible third behind River Lad and Temple Of Boom in the featured Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm most recently on June 7th.
Confirming the Dubawi mare is continuing to take well to her time in the spelling paddock, Maher confirmed the four-year-old’s proven form over the right-handed way of going and enjoyment of Queensland running surfaces made his decision on what path to take in 2015 a relatively easy one.
“She is still in the paddock (spelling) but she will come back in next week and we’ll start on her then,” Maher told TVN.
“She appreciates going that way (right-handed) and she’s proven she fires at that time of year, so she won’t be seen until the Brisbane races.”
Claiming a strong Cranbourne barrier trial prior to her racing debut, Srikandi stamped her claims as one to watch when taking out her maiden competitive start; the Slickpix Plate (1000m) in September 2013 before immediately returning to the paddock.
Running second in the Drain Man F 3.y.o (1000m) first-up this year on February 28th, Srikandi charged home to win the Brown’s Sawdust & Shavings 3.y.o (1200m) on March 26th; repeating the dose in a minor sprint over 1200m at Sandown on April 16th in what was her only other start prior to her Silk Stocking triumph.
Confirming the Brisbane’s first Group 1 in 2015, the BTC Cup (1200m) as her first point of call, Maher said he will then target the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1350m) with Srikandi ahead of the Stradbroke Handicap, and conclude her preparation in the Group 1 Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m) a fortnight later.
