Despite murmurs questioning The Next Episode’s condition post his two-year-old season, the Ciaron Maher stable held firm in their belief.
This conviction was validated on Saturday when The Next Episode triumphed in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1100m) at Flemington. The win now earmarks the colt for a shot at the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) on October 31.
Under the guidance of Mark Zahra, The Next Episode ($3.30) managed to overcome the $2.70 favourite Natural Fling, winning by a short neck. Mbube ($16) trailed in third, a length behind the runner-up.
Maher revealed he was unconcerned by The Next Episode’s less-than-stellar trial results in Sydney.
He noted that the colt had indicated he wasn’t fully prepared.
“He had a couple of trials in Sydney and wasn’t quite ready, so we brought him down here and he was very slick behind Jimmy (Jimmysstar),” Maher commented. “I thought we were right back on track then and I wanted to give him a look down the straight so that wouldn’t be an excuse.”
“We had a trial here the other day and I was mindful he blew the clock up 10 days earlier and I wanted to keep him on the bit and have him ready for today.”
“Then when the rain came, it’s documented that he handles that sort of track, so I wasn’t concerned.”
“It was a beautiful ride by Mark, and he knew what he had underneath him.”
“He rides those horses so well, when they need a bit of confidence and it’s a credit to him.”
Maher stated that the colt’s recovery from his demanding Saturday victory would be closely monitored before a decision is made on whether another start is required before the Coolmore Stud Stakes.
The trainer mentioned the Group 3 Blue Sapphire Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on October 17 as a potential option should the colt need another hit-out.
“He’s thrived and he will still improve,” Maher remarked. “His coat has to come on a bit, and he should present well in four weeks’ time.”
“The plan is to have another run, but we’ll just see how he comes through. He’s a good colt and four weeks is the plan, so we’ll see if he has another run.”
With The Next Episode set to contest the Coolmore Stud Stakes, consider checking out the online bookmakers for the latest odds.
