A meticulously planned campaign spanning twelve months has culminated in Shockletz securing a coveted spot in the Melbourne Cup.
The daughter of the 2009 Melbourne Cup victor, Shocking, earned an automatic ‘Golden Ticket’ into the prestigious ‘race that stops a nation’ by clinching victory in the Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday.
Sporting blinkers for the very first time, Shockletz, ridden by Harry Coffey, was sent off as the $2.90 favourite. She ultimately triumphed by a margin of 2-ΒΌ lengths over Think Giant ($9), with Jennivamoose ($6.50) finishing a length further back in third.
Trainer Ciaron Maher highlighted the application of blinkers on Saturday as a pivotal factor in her commanding performance.
“I thought she was having a bit of a lend,” Maher commented.
“I could see her prick her ears in the last 100 metres at Caulfield and Jennivamoose actually went past her.
“I was toying with whether I put winkers or blinkers on, but as (part-owner) Lawrence (Eales) said, Shocking won the Cup with blinkers on, so I thought we would go with them.
“The team has done a great job managing her. It has been a long-range plan to get her into the Cup and back at Flemington, blinkers on, she’ll run two miles, so they can dare to dream.”
Maher, who has a proven track record with successful racing stayers during the winter months and their progression into major Cup races, drew a comparison between Shockletz and High Emocean, who finished third in the 2022 Melbourne Cup.
“She’s a lighter style mare that doesn’t take a lot of work, like High Emocean, is clean winded and you just have to have them happy and well,” Maher explained.
“The longer the prep, not a lot of work, suits her.
“Thankfully the little tinker, and a good ride by Harry, we were very confident watching the race.”
With Shockletz now exempt from further ballot entries for the Melbourne Cup, Maher indicated that he could now precisely calibrate her preparation working backward from November 3, the scheduled date for the Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington.
“She won’t be over-raced, she will be on the fresher side,” he stated.
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