3 minute read
Racing and Sports provides a horse to watch out of Saturday metropolitan racing on February 19.
Rosehill
Race 8: Maurice's Medad
One to keep an eye on from Saturday's Rosehill's meeting is the Bjorn Baker-trained Maurice's Medad.
Although finding the line strongly for fourth when resuming in the Group 3 Eskimo Prince a fortnight prior, the son of Maurice was sent out a juicy $31 elect for his second-up assignment over the 1400m in the Group 2 Horbartville Stakes.
Jumping on terms under the riding of Josh Parr, the gelding required some urging to hold a prominent position in the early going; eventually positioning just off midfield when settling.
Remaining in a similar spot throughout, the pair stumbled into a bit of trouble rounding the home turn as a tiring horse in front of them forced Parr to shift back to the inside in order to obtain clear running.
Taking a few strides to balance back up, the three-year-old began to move through his gears effectively passing the 200m, building strong momentum.
In what proved a margin too substantial to hound down, the gelding made good ground to the line but ultimately finished 3.8L away in fifth, as Godolphin ace Anamoe and the Hawkes' Hilal fought out a thrilling finish.
Expected to get out further in trip as the Autumn carnival beckons, Baker holds a nomination for Maurice's Medad in the ATC Australian Derby (2400m) on April 2.
Looking to step out to a mile in his next run, Maurice's Medad will once again strip fitter and with a touch of luck will be extremely hard to hold out. Worth following.