Despite questions surrounding The Next Episode’s form after his juvenile campaign, the Ciaron Maher stable maintained their belief.
This confidence was rewarded on Saturday as The Next Episode secured the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1100m) at Flemington. The victory now paves the way for the colt’s participation in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) on October 31.
Guided by jockey Mark Zahra, The Next Episode ($3.30) managed to get the better of the $2.70 favourite Natural Fling, winning by a narrow margin of a short neck. Mbube ($16) finished a further length behind in third place.
Maher expressed no concern regarding The Next Episode’s less-than-impressive trial performances in Sydney.
He explained that the colt indicated he wasn’t fully prepared.
“He had a couple of trials in Sydney and wasn’t quite ready, so we brought him down here and he was very slick behind Jimmy (Jimmysstar),” Maher stated. “I thought we were right back on track then and I wanted to give him a look down the straight so that wouldn’t be an excuse.”
“We had a trial here the other day and I was mindful he blew the clock up 10 days earlier and I wanted to keep him on the bit and have him ready for today.”
“Then when the rain came, it’s documented that he handles that sort of track, so I wasn’t concerned.”
“It was a beautiful ride by Mark, and he knew what he had underneath him.”
“He rides those horses so well, when they need a bit of confidence and it’s a credit to him.”
Maher indicated that he would monitor The Next Episode’s recovery following Saturday’s challenging race before determining if another start is necessary before the Coolmore Stud Stakes.
The trainer suggested the Group 3 Blue Sapphire Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on October 17 as a potential option if the colt required another outing.
“He’s thrived and he will still improve,” Maher commented. “His coat has to come on a bit, and he should present well in four weeks’ time.”
“The plan is to have another run, but we’ll just see how he comes through. He’s a good colt and four weeks is the plan, so we’ll see if he has another run.”
The Next Episode’s connections will be hoping he can continue his winning form at the Coolmore Stud Stakes, and you can find the latest racing odds at Australian betting sites.