The Ciaron Maher stable has a meticulously crafted 12-month strategy for Shockletz, which they are optimistic will yield rewards at Flemington.
The 2026 Melbourne Cup has been a long-term objective for the daughter of Shocking, a former winner of the prestigious race.
However, Shockletz must first secure her place in the Cup field, a feat the Maher team hopes will be achieved this Saturday in the Group 3 Archer Stakes, a 2500m contest.
The Archer Stakes offers a golden ticket, granting the victor a ballot exemption into the Melbourne Cup (3200m) scheduled for Flemington on November 3.
Additional ‘Cup qualifier’ races are also on the calendar at Flemington, including The Bart Cummings in October, followed by the Geelong Cup and Moonee Valley Gold Cup later that month, all providing ballot exemptions.
Twelve months ago, Shockletz enjoyed a strong run of form, securing four victories with Harry Coffey in the jockey’s silks.
Her most recent win came at Pakenham in December, following her last victory of that strong October period.
Coffey is set to partner the mare again on Saturday, and Jack Turnbull, National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, confirmed the addition of blinkers.
“We’ve put some headgear on her,” Turnbull stated.
“She travels well, but when they quicken, she’s flat-footed, and then she picks up again.
“We are third-up, a mile-and-a-half, essentially, and a bit of headgear, it should play to her favour, plus she likes big tracks and this has been a 12-month plan for her.
“We were conscious of what she did two preps ago and then we freshened her up to be on fresher legs, so that if she does qualify, she has not been taxed come the bigger races.”
The Maher team has a proven track record with stayers who perform well through the winter months before making a significant impact in the Melbourne Cup.
Turnbull cited Persan, Grand Promenade, and Berkshire Breeze as prime examples of this success.
Stablemate Jennivamoose is also slated to compete in The Archer, having finished fourth in the same race last year.
Jennivamoose has had limited starts since, with a third-place finish at Caulfield on both occasions, and Turnbull believes she will benefit from the increased distance.
“She ran enormous at Caulfield last time,” Turnbull commented.
“She’s had two wide gates this prep and had to go back and made really good ground.
“We’re looking forward to her getting out to this trip.”
Punters can explore the latest racing odds and betting markets for the Archer Stakes at leading Australian betting sites.