The Ciaron Maher stable is optimistic Estriella can make a statement at the highest level, starting with Saturday’s $750,000 Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield.
Estriella, a daughter of I Am Invincible, will be one of three Maher runners, alongside the late-scratching of I Am Me and Jimmysstar, in the 1100-metre handicap.
Known for leading most of her races in the past year, Estriella has been trained to relax this preparation, a technique that Maher’s assistant trainer, Turnbull, believes has been successful.
“We’ve taught her to take a sit, not that she hasn’t been able to in the past, but we’ve tried to use her speed whereas now, if we want her to be getting a strong six furlongs, she just needs to be able to relax that first half,” Turnbull said.
“She’s done that in two jumpouts and hopefully she does that Saturday.”
Estriella has contested four Group 1 races, with her best result being a fourth-place finish in last year’s Moir Stakes (1000m) won by Mornington Glory.
She has spent this campaign at Maher’s Cranbourne stable, where Turnbull notes she’s more relaxed than before.
Blake Shinn will partner Estriella in the Oakleigh Plate, with Nash Rawiller aboard I Am Me and Ethan Brown on Jimmysstar.
Mrs Chrissie is also entered, along with other notable names like Mornington Glory and Rey Magnerio, but her participation is not confirmed.
Jimmysstar, who last resumed with a win at Caulfield, will also line up in the Oakleigh Plate, with the stable considering it the best start point for the talented sprinter.
In addition to the Oakleigh Plate, Maher will be represented in three Group 1s at Caulfield, with Cherish Me, Icarian Dream, and Wiltshire Square in the $2 million Blue Diamond Stakes and Semana likely in the $750,000 Futurity Stakes (1400m).