John McArdle has maintained Group 1 targets for talented filly My Gladiola since her winning debut performance.
But the elite dreams were broken on two fronts, a subpar alley in the Blue Diamond Stakes followed by rail position in the Coolmore Stud Stakes straight race at Flemington last spring.
Everything could fall into place for My Gladiola when she faces the starter in the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) at Flemington Saturday.
Drawing the extreme outside among eight competitors, McArdle hunts his third Group 1 and initial success in over 20 years.
“The outside draw suits her better than being inside,” McArdle said.
“In the Coolmore she was drawn down on the inside and had to follow Tentyris, this time she should be in clean air all the way and he will need to chase her down.”
My Gladiola’s record up the straight stands at three starts, including a win in the Listed Cap D’Antibes Stakes (1100m) and two seconds.
Victorious on Sandown debut, she resumed with defeat at Caulfield last prep, McArdle confirming the filly thrives better on Flemington’s straight versus Caulfield bends.
Such suitability steered the choice towards this weekend’s target ahead of the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield the week after, with Jamie Mott claiming 54kg, half-kilo over for My Gladiola.
My Gladiola was last third in the Thoroughbred Club Stakes (1200m) Caulfield mid-November, then a three-week holiday before honing in on the pair of elite Flemington short courses, next the Newmarket Handicap (1200m) March 7.
McArdle favoured another barrier trial for My Gladiola but Tuesday’s Mornington breeze session satisfied him.
“Jamie galloped her on Tuesday morning and was happy with the way she went,” McArdle said.
“We put a mate out in front of her to give her something to chase and all the data was good.
“She’s probably a touch above her racing weight, but I think that’s because she’s matured and strengthen up a bit more.
“She’s a powerful girl, but we can’t be unhappy with the way she’s got to the races, so we’ll see if she’s good enough and if she is, and runs well, then we’ll head to the Newmarket.
“Jamie’s happy with her and he’s getting down to 54 kilos to ride her.
“That gives us some confidence.”
The betting markets for the race offer plenty of action for supporters of My Gladiola in the Black Caviar Lightning.
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