Cranbourne-based trainer Shawn Mathrick has enjoyed victories with horses discarded by the Godolphin operation over time.
The newest member of Mathrick’s yard, Corniche, is gearing up for his second outing under the trainer’s guidance in the VOBIS Gold Sprint (1200m) at Caulfield this Saturday.
Corniche had 14 races under Godolphin, securing a pair of triumphs during stints with James Cummings and Ciaron Maher, before placing runner-up in the Listed Abell Stakes (1200m) at Cranbourne on February 27.
This marked the gelding’s initial appearance since last September, and Mathrick expressed satisfaction with the performance despite initial concerns upon the horse’s arrival at his stable.
“I was worried we he first came, and thought ‘I’ve done my brass here’, but it’s taken a bit of work and he’s thriving at the beach,” Mathrick said.
“He’s got some knee issues. His action was terrible when he came to me and we’ve been doing a lot of beach work with him.
He galloped on Monday, and he worked the place down.”
Mathrick has previously housed several ex-Godolphin runners and holds dear recollections of Adirondack and Gig, a mare from which he has produced offspring.
“They pretty much tell what it is with their horses is,” Mathrick said of Godolphin.
“They’re pretty honest about it.
My old man used to say they don’t lose their ability, so there must be something going on and this horse got beaten a length-and-a-half by Joliestar one day and got flattened twice in the straight and then powered home.
He’s definitely got the ability and softer tracks, with his knees, would be better for him, but I’ll let him go around on Saturday and then see if we have to back off.”
During his early racing days, Corniche achieved placings in the Blue Diamond Preview and Prelude, took out the Group 2 Magic Night Stakes, and subsequently the Group 3 Sunshine Coast Guineas.
That victory in the Sunshine Coast Guineas occurred in May 2024, with Corniche seeing limited action afterward.
“I’ve been picking my mark when I gallop him,” Mathrick said.
“I’ll only gallop him on the grass and when we’ve had a bit of rain, but his action was faultless on Monday.
The Goodwood in Adelaide, it might be a good race for him, so we’ll see how he is.”
Betting enthusiasts can explore the Australian betting sites for competitive odds on Corniche in the VOBIS Gold Sprint.
