Ciaron Maher thinks he needs to find ‘half-a-length’ with Generation and the top trainer suspects the addition of blinkers might be the answer.
The son of Snitzel will be tested in the headgear at trackwork on Tuesday morning, with a view to possibly sporting them in Saturday’s $1 million Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1200m).
Generation acquitted himself well in his first test at Group 1 level, when fourth in the William Reid Stakes (1200m), but Maher knows he needs to improve.
“I’m going to try them on him,” he said of the blinkers.
“He’s still a young horse, he’s only three, and sometimes you can just find that little bit of focus (with blinkers).
“I’m not sold on whether I’m going to do it (on raceday) yet, but I’ll take a look Tuesday.”
The William Reid, in which Generation was beaten just over two lengths, was the first time the colt has missed a place in his eight-start career.
His biggest victories were the Red Anchor Stakes (1200m) last spring and Manfred Stakes (1200m) at his first start this campaign, both at Group 3 level, while he finished second in the G3 Zeditave Stakes (1200m) at his run before the William Reid.
“He’s been very good, he’s got a great record, but I just need half a length,” Maher said.
“He always shown plenty of talent, right from Day 1. All the riders that get on him say he’s a Group 1 horse, trackwork even, so it’s just about finding his little niche.”
Jamie Kah, who has ridden Generation at his past two starts, retains the ride for the Doomben 10,000, in which Generation was $26 in to $11 with TAB over the weekend.