Cardinal Gem will head to Brisbane in peak form after lumping topweight to victory in the Listed Anniversary Vase at Sandown.
The Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm on June 10 is the target trainer Grahame Begg has in mind for Cardinal Gem following his win over 1400m on Saturday.
Begg has pencilled in a start for Cardinal Gem in the Group 3 BRC Sprint (1350m) at Doomben on May 20 and has tentatively booked the gelding on a flight north four days earlier.
Sent out the $2.70 unibet favourite under Jordan Childs, Cardinal Gem ran down the leader Buffalo River ($14) to score by a short neck with Flash Ahh ($18) a length away third.
Cardinal Gem was jumping from 54kg he carried when successful in the Group 3 Victoria Handicap on April 8 to the steadier of 60kg on Saturday.
“He had to go and pick himself up which is not easy to do with 60 kilos on your back, but I know he’s a very genuine horse,” Begg said.
“He loves Sandown and the big, long stretch and a good solid run race.
“That’s his sweet spot.”
Childs registered a treble with his win on Cardinal Gem having scored earlier aboard the Begg-trained Katsu and for Matt Cumani in the Listed VRC St Leger on Dunwoody.
The jockey said he had been happy with his midfield position on Cardinal Gem during Saturday’s race before coming under pressure on the hometurn.
“He’s still a bit timid between horses and I was struggling to find a gap to get him through,” Childs said.
“Once I was able to drive him through and get into clear air, he really let down and I thought he was going to win.
“He’s a real racehorse. He gets there and gets the job done.
“Congratulations to Grahame and the team and for sticking with me. I’ve been unlucky on him a few times but he’s really starting to put it altogether now.”
