Trainer John McArdle has opted to stay in Melbourne with My Gladiola instead of heading to Sydney for a rich restricted race. The focus is now firmly on the $2 million Group 1 Inglis Millennium (1100m) at Randwick and the Group 2 fillies Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) at Caulfield this Saturday.
After a debut win in the Group 3 Blue Diamond Preview (1000m) at Sandown on January 25, McArdle is targeting the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on February 22. While My Gladiola is eligible for the Sydney race, McArdle believes it would be too demanding on the young filly.
My Gladiola, the $4 favourite for the Blue Diamond Stakes, impressed McArdle with her debut performance and is in excellent shape, with all signs pointing toward a strong campaign.