Trainer Shawn Mathrick anticipates a strong challenge in yet another Stakes event featuring his latest stable addition, Corniche.
The ex-Godolphin runner notched a victory at Flemington during his third start under Mathrick’s care and is set to tackle the Listed Hareeba Stakes (1200m) at Mornington this Saturday.
A solid performance there might propel Mathrick towards Adelaide for the Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville on May 9.
After Corniche’s success in the Listed Bob Hoysted Stakes (1000m) on March 28, Mathrick had considered entering the Hareeba Stakes before possibly moving on to the Listed Wangoom Handicap (1200m) at Warrnambool on May 6.
However, with The Goodwood only three days afterward, it presents a challenging choice for Mathrick.
“I would prefer to go to The Goodwood,” Mathrick said.
“Warrnambool can so tricky. Some just hate it, and you never know until you go there, but I would like to win a Group 1, and he’s definitely got the quality to do that.
“Joliestar won the other day, and she only beat him a length-and-a-bit one day and his wet track form is terrific.”
Mathrick noted he has labored extensively to resolve the persistent issues that plagued the gelding upon his arrival at the stable.
Corniche trains only after rainfall at the Cranbourne Training Centre, and the gelding has logged numerous hours on the beach.
“I had to get the pain out of his knees, and his feet and he had heart arrythmia but that has all settled down and he seems good,” Mathrick said.
“You never know when those things can flare up again, but he’s been super.
“He worked like Manikato on Tuesday. He’s a weapon.”
In the meantime, stable companion Unflinching has traveled northward to Brisbane for a start in the Listed Ascot Handicap (1000m) at Eagle Farm this Saturday.
Unflinching finished behind Corniche at Flemington, and Mathrick described the sprinter as a specialist over 1000m.
“That’s his distance,” Mathrick said.
“His run the other day was good, but Corniche was just too good in the last bit.”
Mathrick explained that Unflinching was transported to Sydney overnight Tuesday, rested at Rosehill during the day, and then continued to Brisbane on Wednesday evening.
“It’s worth $92,000 to the winner, so if he wins, I can afford to fly him home if I have to,” Mathrick said.
Explore the betting markets for the race at Australian betting sites ahead of the Hareeba Stakes at Mornington.