John Sadler appears set to pursue valuable Black Type status for Merrigold at Caulfield.
The mare triumphed in benchmark 84 grade over 1400m at Caulfield last Saturday, prompting Sadler to target the Listed Anniversary Vase (1600m) at Caulfield this coming Saturday.
Sadler noted that Merrigold is a mare who recovers strongly after her outings, and given the Black Type available, the connections are inclined to accept the chance.
If Merrigold lines up on Saturday, it would mark just her second appearance in a Stakes event, following a last-place finish in the Group 3 How Now Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield back in November.
Nevertheless, Merrigold ranks among the most reliable mares in action this year, securing two victories and three minor placings across her five outings since January.
“She backs up very, very well,” Sadler said.
“That win on Saturday was good and I haven’t got a problem backing her up.
“She comes through her races super and the whole idea this preparation has been, hopefully, being a mare, to get some Black Type.
“We’ve got a Listed race on Saturday and looking at the nominations, it’s not going to be an easy race, but I think she well and truly deserves her place in the field.
“Saturday is Black Type, so that will do me, but then perhaps we could go to Adelaide, but I don’t want to get too greedy, as I still think she’s climbing the ladder.”
Sadler explained that deciding to back a horse up from one Saturday to the next hinges completely on the individual horse and its condition upon returning to the stable after racing.
He indicated that Merrigold matches the profile perfectly.
“She just flies through her races,” Sadler said.
“On Monday morning she was five kilos heavier than she was on Saturday morning, which is quite incredible.
“She’s a very professional racehorse, one everyone would like.”
Thirty horses in total have nominated for the Anniversary Vase on Saturday, among them Melbourne Cup placegetter Middle Earth.
Merrigold has drawn 54kg after weights were announced on Tuesday.
Betting enthusiasts should explore the Australian betting sites for competitive markets on the Anniversary Vase.