Weights are stacked against Baraqiel in his attempt to claim one of Australia’s top sprint events, the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington.
Since the switch to metric weights in 1973, just three horses have managed to carry over 57.5kg to victory in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m), scheduled for Saturday.
Hay List shouldered 58.5kg in 2012, while a year prior the undefeated star Black Caviar managed 58kg, matching Shaftesbury Avenue’s load from 1991.
Redkirk Warrior handled Baraqiel’s allocation of 57.5kg when he triumphed for a second occasion in 2018, following his win carrying 52.5kg the year before.
The impost presents a challenge for Baraqiel, though his trainers Leon and Troy Corstens along with Will Larkin insist it is manageable.
Baraqiel is set to don blinkers for the initial time as he aims to secure a second Group 1 success following his capture of the Moir Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley during the spring.
This Saturday’s appearance marks Baraqiel’s second start this campaign after he placed fourth behind Tentyris in the Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on February 14.
Defeated by 1.6 lengths, Baraqiel benefits from a 3kg weight advantage compared to that effort.
“I reckon he’s improved a lot out of that first-up run,” Larkin said.
“We trialled him last Friday just to tick him over and he’s going there in good order.
“We weren’t there to give him a real good test in the trial. We put the blinkers on him for the first time, and we wanted to get him out the back and see if he would settle.
“He managed that really well, so the blinkers will go on him on Saturday.”
Observers believe the Flemington straight could suit those mounting late charges on Saturday, yet Larkin has no desire to exchange barrier three.
He noted it aligns well with Baraqiel and the gelding’s habit of laying in, plus the prospect of being held up for a strong finish is viewed positively.
“I prefer the inside draw to one outside,” Larkin said.
“We’re going to try and ride him like we did in the Moir. Smother him in there and leave it all late as his turn of foot is his asset and hopefully that gets him to the line.”
Intentions are for Baraqiel to proceed to the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on March 21 following Saturday, with subsequent plans to be determined.
“The William Reid has always been his Grand Final,” Larkin said.
“He’ll spin around the bend, third-up, which looks like it will shape up as a good race.
“After that we have got plenty of options for good prize money. There have been some talks about The Quokka or may be going up to Sydney as well.”
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