Ciaron Maher is considering a Stradbroke Handicap start for his progressive filly Srikandi, brilliant winner of Saturday’s listed Juanmo Stakes, reports Racing Network. Connections would need to pay a late-entry fee for Srikandi, who would receive 50.5kg – the limit – for the $1.36 million Stradbroke.
But first, Maher said, Srikandi, a winner of her past four starts, will progress to the $350,000 Queensland Guineas (1400m) at Eagle Farm on May 31.
“She is very progressive, she improves every time she steps out,” Maher said.
“It is in a good spot and she's thrived since she’s travelled up to Brisbane. ‘Bossy’ (Glen Boss) had a lot of confidence in her and she must have given him a great feel.
“I’ll see how she goes in the Guineas, I’m definitely thinking about it (the Stradbroke).”
Maher was pleased with Mr O’Ceirin, who finished seventh, less than four lengths behind Streama, in the Doomben Cup.
He said Mr O’Ceirin wasn’t suited by the dry conditions that prevailed at Doomben on Saturday as he needs some cut in the ground to show his best.
“But he still ran well. He got squeezed out late. It may have cost him a length and he’s come throughout the race well,” Maher said.
“If he gets the conditions he got in the Hollindale Stakes, he really thrives.”
Maher said Mr O’Ceirin would now head to the Group 2 $250,000 Eagle Farm Cup (2200m) at Eagle Farm on May 31.
Champion jumper Bashboy is likely to have another start on the flat, most likely at Ballarat on June 1, before his jumps return in the Mosstrooper Steeplechase (3600m) at Bendigo on June 15.