Litmus test for Malua
Bletchingly Stakes proves a timely test for Marble Nine
Malua Racing has more to learn than lose with Marble Nine in the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Trainer-in-waiting Will Larkin, set to join Leon and Troy Corstens in partnership from August 1, said the Bletchingly suited Marble Nine more than the easier 3YO Handicap (1200m).
Marble Nine won a second race for the preparation, third in five races, last start at Caul
field and could be aimed at the back end of spring should he run well again on Saturday.
“He most likely goes to the paddock after this but we want to see what grade of racing he’s going to be up to,” Larkin said.
“If he’s competitive in this it will give us more of an aim … if we want to freshen up and go back end of spring or whether we focus on autumn.”
It is hoped the stronger race on Saturday and stalking Recommendation, a $1.45 favourite with TAB to win the Bletchingly, could help Marble Nine settle better in the run.
“He’s quite a hard going horse, so 1200m is a query, we just thought up against the better class horses they’re going to go a quicker tempo and might help him relax,” Larkin said.
“I’d reckon Recommendation goes forward, leads like he did the other day … and we’ll be right there in behind him, stalking him everywhere he goes.”
Marble Nine is rated a $10 chance in what could be a tactical race behind the favourite.
Recommendation dictated the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes last start at Caulfield under jockey Blake Shinn and bolted clear to win by seven lengths.
Ciaron Maher-trained Recommendation has a perfect – three from three – second up record. Semillion ($10) and Mrs Chrissie ($5.50) could settle behind the leader, along with Marble Nine.
“When you’ve got a hardened seasoned horse like that (Recommendation) you’re probably going to undo your own horse quicker than him,” Larkin said. “You also don’t want to be too far away … let him cross and then be on his back. If our horse is good enough he can go with him and hopefully at the end of 1200m we can be stronger.”