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| Staff Writer |
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Ciaron Maher is eagerly anticipating the return of a more mature Estriella as she embarks on a campaign that could culminate in The Everest at Moonee Valley this Saturday. The fleet-footed 4YO mare is set to make her seasonal debut in the US$490,000 Group One Moir Stakes.
Estriella's preparation for the 1000-metre weight-for-age contest included an 800m trial at Cranbourne last Monday, which the daughter of I Am Invincible dominated by five lengths, convincing Maher of her readiness to step up to the highest level.
"I'm chuffed with her," Maher enthused. "She's always been a tad immature mentally and physically, but she's still developing and has grown up considerably."
"In her recent trial, she carried herself like a confident horse. Despite her swift pace, she remained controlled. She exuded the confidence of a horse that's made significant progress," Maher added.
Estriella, boasting a 50% win rate from her eight starts, hasn't graced the turf since her fifth-place finish in the Group One Sangster Stakes (1200m) on 27 April. She's one of 11 entries for the Moir Stakes, facing potential opposition from the past two Group One T J Smith Stakes victors, I Wish I Win and Chain Of Lightning, the Golden Slipper one-two of Lady Of Camelot and Coleman, plus Blue Diamond heroine Hayasugi.
Estriella's stablemate Bella Nipotina has also been nominated but is more likely to contest the US$654,000 Group Three Concorde Stakes (1000m) in Sydney.
The Moir Stakes has a rich history of producing top-class sprinters. Last year's victor, Coolangatta, went on to claim the Group One Lightning Stakes, while 2021 winner Wild Ruler later triumphed in the Group One Moir Stakes.
Several Moir Stakes nominees are vying for a coveted spot in the US$13.1 million The Everest, the 1200m spectacle at Randwick on 19 October, which Maher hopes to target with Estriella.
"Discussions are ongoing regarding securing an Everest slot," Maher revealed. "I'm keen to see how she fares in the Moir. I haven't finalised her path post-Moir, so we'll assess after Saturday."
"The immediate focus is a strong showing in the Moir, with The Everest as the ultimate goal," he added.
Blake Shinn, who guided Estriella to her trio of victories prior to the Sangster Stakes and maintains an unblemished record aboard the mare, will reunite with her in the Moir Stakes.
As the anticipation builds for Saturday's Group One clash, all eyes will be on Estriella as she seeks to stake her claim for sprinting supremacy and a potential berth in The Everest.