After a failed attempt to get in foal and a brief retirement, Steinem is set to make a surprising return to the track at Caulfield.
The Group 3 Victoria Handicap (1400m) on Saturday will be her first race since November 2023, when she finished eighth behind Deny Knowledge in the Group 2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m) at Flemington.
One of her career highlights came earlier that year in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield, where she outperformed Melbourne Cup winner Gold Trip.
Now under the ownership of Yulong Investments, Steinem has rejoined her original trainer, Ciaron Maher.
Assistant trainer Jack Turnbull indicated that the ultimate plan is to send her to Brisbane for the winter carnival, boosting her credentials before another attempt at breeding.
“I would say, and this is without speaking to Yulong recently, that she would then try and get in foal again,” Turnbull said.
“She’s in great shape, and by the time the breeding season arrives, hopefully, she will be in peak condition to conceive.”
Despite spending time away from the stable, Turnbull noted that Steinem fit right back into her routine. However, she returned with significantly more weight.
“She had been retired, so we had to go through the reinstatement process, and she came back looking like she was already in foal,” Turnbull said.
“It’s fantastic to have her back. She’s the same horse she was before, showing no changes in her behavior, even during trackwork.
“She has always been a class act, and we’re hopeful she can rediscover her best form.”
Stablemate Chorlton Lane is also set to return for the Maher stable after a short break. His most recent race was on February 15, where he finished fourth behind Rise At Dawn in the Listed The Elms Handicap (1400m) at Flemington.
Chorlton Lane has been competitive in strong company, securing a win in Canberra last November before placing third in The Supernova at Pakenham and earning Stakes placings at Sandown and Caulfield in January and February.
“He was in solid form. He ran a big race in The Supernova and was performing well without winning, so we decided to give him a short freshen-up,” Turnbull said.
“He’s maintained good fitness. He’s only had one jump-out and didn’t need much additional work.
“He’s a professional and always puts himself in the race.”
