The Next Episode, a $2.8 million yearling and $2.60 market elect, was momentarily blocked in the straight but shouldered aside challengers to burst clear and take out Wednesday’s Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1000m) by a length over the $11 chance Under Focus.
This was the young contender’s sophomore start post a niggling injury from his placing miss in November’s Golden Gift (1100m), rendering the Golden Slipper next Saturday unfeasible, while the Group 3 Kindergarten Stakes (1100m) at Randwick on April 4 continues to loom large.
“He has always shown plenty of talent and that’s why we got him started in the Golden Gift last preparation,” trainer Ciaron Maher’s assistant Jo Gerard-Dubord said.
“But things didn’t work out on the day. He drew badly and got a squeeze at the start, and he pulled up a bit off after the race.
‘We gave him time, a chance to mature. He’s come right and he’s a lovely horse going forward.
“The Golden Slipper could have been an option, but it has come a bit soon. He’s very sharp and the Kindergarten looks a nice race.”
Another exciting juvenile emerged for John O’Shea and Tom Charlton courtesy of Satono Glow ($5), who captured the MyPlates Handicap (1000m).
On her race debut, the filly hung back before hitting top gear to surge past her foes, now a viable entrant for Randwick’s Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) on April 11.
“We’ve got a potential black-type filly on our hands in time, we hope,” co-trainer Charlton said.
“We don’t need to make too many decisions today. We will look after her. There are some options this campaign if needed but there are also some in the spring.”
Dylan Gibbons piloted Satono Glow in place of suspended superstar James Mcdonald, penalised for careless riding at Saturday’s Randwick card and opting to start his ban immediately.
“James was booked for her,” Charlton said.
“Dylan does a great job for us, so I’m sure James can leave a maiden out of his weekly wins.”
Racing odds for upcoming targets like the Kindergarten Stakes are offered by quality racing betting markets.
