The late, great Bart Cummings famously held the belief that a horse required at least 10,000 metres of racing before it could contend for the Melbourne Cup. This philosophy often led the legendary trainer to commence his spring campaigns in the Aurie’s Star Handicap.
While such traditional training methods have largely faded from prominence, Saturday’s Flemington meeting could very well represent a critical early stage for this year’s Melbourne Cup contenders.
Trainer Ciaron Maher intends to use the Melbourne Cup Carnival On Sale (1620m) as the starting point for Shockletz’s campaign to secure a spot in Australia’s most prestigious race.
The mare is being targeted towards the two principal Melbourne Cup qualifying races: the Archer Stakes (2500m) on September 12 and The Bart Cummings (2500m) on October 3. Crucially, the winner of each of these races earns an automatic exemption from the ballot for the Melbourne Cup.
Ciaron Maher Racing National Assistant Trainer Jack Turnbull indicated that the stable had meticulously planned the mare’s campaign well ahead of time.
“We’re trying to get her into The Archer,” Turnbull said.
“That’s our little plan, try and qualify her and then if that doesn’t work, there is The Bart Cummings.
“It’s been a long-term plan to work back from those particular races and get her in there.
“Her brother and her family have raced at those types of distances, and we feel she has got that quality.”
Shockletz, a sibling to Horrifying, progressed through the staying ranks effectively last season. She was then afforded a carefully managed preparation for the current campaign.
She participated in three races during the early winter period before undergoing a short freshen-up period, specifically designed to ensure she would be in prime condition for the upcoming major staying contests.
“I’m really pleased with her, and she’s freshened up really well,” Turnbull stated.
“She only had two weeks off and while she’s first-up she had three runs and she’s not going to be lacking fitness.
“Last prep we were conscious of going one too many and giving her the right amount of time out to have her for this prep.
“We’ve always had time for her and hopefully she repays us.”
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