Trainer Ciaron Maher and the connections of Another Wil are targeting a confidence-boosting win at Caulfield.
Rather than competing for a more lucrative prize in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) this Saturday, Another Wil will instead contest the Evergreen Turf Handicap over the same distance.
It has been just over 18 months since Another Wil last experienced victory, which was in the Group 1 C F Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield. This win was one of his nine triumphs from 21 starts, including three wins from six outings over the course and distance.
Maher commented that horses, much like most athletes, gain confidence from winning, and he is seeking that outcome on Saturday.
“They thrive off it,” Maher stated. “That would be ideal and there’s a nice program that he can go back to at Group 1 level and hopefully he can do what we think he can do.”
There has been an expectation that Another Wil possesses Group 1 class, a potential glimpsed during the Brisbane winter carnival.
After finding the 1200m too short in the Doomben 10,000 upon resuming, Another Wil subsequently finished fourth in the Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m) before a last-place finish in the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm in June.
The 2kg claim offered by in-form apprentice Jabez Johnstone was also a significant factor in Maher’s choice for Saturday’s race.
“His first two runs were good in Queensland, his third one was not as good on the wet track,” Maher explained. “He’s in very good order, has come up well and I just thought that 1400-metre benchmark 100, with a good record at the trip and at Caulfield and Jabez can claim off him as well. He’ll get in with 60 kilos, and he would be pretty well handicapped off that.”
Maher indicated that after Saturday’s performance, the plan is to return to a higher level of competition, with numerous options available for the gelding.
For those keen on the action, check out the latest Australian betting sites for the best odds on the Evergreen Turf Handicap.