A trip to Caulfield for a track gallop has given Lloyd Kennewell some confidence ahead of Meridus contesting the Caulfield Guineas Prelude.
Saturday’s Group 3 race will for Kennewell give him an indication whether Meridus can progress to the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 8.
Meridus has only faced the starter on three occasions, winning a Sale maiden in June before a last start close second to Shalaman over 1200m at Moonee Valley on September 3.
On those two occasions, Meridus was partnered by Jamie Kah, but with Godolphin colt Aft Cabin engaged in Saturday’s race Kennewell was forced to find a new jockey.
He has called on the services of Mark Zahra who rode a winning treble at Flemington last Saturday, including the day’s feature, the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes, on I’m Thunderstruck.
“Jamie had to make a choice between the Godolphin horse and ours and she’s elected to go with the Godolphin horse, but we’re pretty comfortable with where we sit,” Kennewell said.
“Mark had a sit on him this (Tuesday) morning and he’s flying at the moment, so it’s good to have a big race jockey on in a big race.”
Meridus worked with Esta La Roca who Kennewell said was a ‘very good benchmark’ as to getting a guide as to how Meridus was shaping.
“The horse went through his gears nicely and I thought he hit the line really strongly without his blinkers on and I’m really looking forward to Saturday,” Kennewell said.
Meridus will be stepping up to 1400m for the first time on Saturday and Kennewell does not see that as a hindrance or a further rise in trip to 1600m.
Kennewell was particularly impressed with how Meridus finished off his race at Moonee Valley.
“I think he was the third fastest last furlong the other day, for meeting behind Mr Brightside and Rothfire,” Kennewell said.
“It’s that time of year where there is a lot of colts around trying to get to the Caulfield Guineas and he’s one of them in the thick of things.”