Image: Bruno Cannatelli
Ciaron Maher believes Nadal’s recent performance in The Meteorite was better than it looked on paper as the gelding works towards his next assignment in the Christmas Stakes.
Nadal contested the $1m 1200m match at Cranbourne last month on his third run of this preparation, finishing in midfield behind the in-form Jigsaw on a testing afternoon.
While sixth place may not have jumped off the page, Maher said the post-race data painted a much more encouraging picture.
“It’s in good shape,” Maher said. “His numbers after the race were good.
“Aesthetically it only looked fair, but actually it went well.”
The straggler was beaten by less than four lengths in the Meteorite, allowing him to build stable ground in difficult conditions and without enjoying a free running lag.
Nadal has taken longer than expected to become fully fit after a setback at the end of last year. He resumed his fifth-place finish in the Group 2 Herald Sun Sprint (1000m) at Caulfield, before battling through tough conditions in the Listed Fisher Stakes (1200m) at Flemington.
Maher said Nadal finished strongly in the Meteorite despite not having the space to fully expand, giving confidence he can take another step forward in the Christmas Stakes.
*Existing customers only. 2nd race bet. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Responsible gambling.
Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?
Set a deposit limit.
#Nadal #set #bounce #Christmas #Stakes #horse #racing