He might be a $6.50 winning chance for the Inglis Sires at Randwick on Saturday, but Australian Bloodstock director Luke Murrell is not getting too carried away with Brave Mead’s chances.
The developing colt – trained by top conditioning pair Ciaron Maher and David Eustace – goes into this feature sprint over 1400m and worth $1 million off a comprehensive last-start victory.
He was far too good for his opponents in the Listed Valley Pearl on March 24, saluting by 2 ¾ lengths.
Murrell was circumspect when explaining Brave Mead’s chances stepping up to a Group 1 race featuring Golden Slipper runner-up and $2.30 favourite for James Cummings, Cylinder.
“He’s come a long way for a first prep type,” Murrell told HorseBetting.com.au.
“His win at Pakenham (at maiden level over 1200m on March 10) would indicate that he wanted 1400m, and I think The Valley run franked that.
“So 1400m will be up his alley, but I think he’s a bit of a risk on Saturday given it’ll be his fourth run in five weeks with a trip to Sydney.”
After Brave Mead’s last-start triumph, Maher-Eustace stable representative James Barker told this publication the two-year-old was physically gifted and set for a bright future.
“Obviously big things can come for him,” he said.
“From Day 1 you could see how big he was. He was much bigger than any other yearling we had.
“He had a lot more scope than anything else.
“He should have three wins. He probably should’ve won his first start.”
Murrell also believes Brave Mead has the temperament to match his physical attributes.
But he does not see this weekend as a grand final for his short-distance runner.
“He’s a very laid back colt, so it’ll be interesting to see how he parades. But for mine, it might just be next prep,” Murrell said.
“He’s a very good horse. They’re running for a stallion career if he can win, so I understand why they’re running.
“The head says there are too many things against him, but he’s certainly got some ability that’s for sure.”
Brave Mead will start from barrier six with star jockey John Allen aboard, but Murrell said Cylinder and Cafe Millenium ($18 for John O’Shea) would be tough to beat.
“The way it maps, I would’ve thought he’s midfield here up in class a little bit,” he said.
“I know he had some speed the other night, but no one wanted to lead at The Valley and I suppose he took it on himself.
“He’s a chance, but I think on the day I’d assume all the smart blokes will take him on. It’s hard to see him turning the tables on the Slipper horse (Cylinder).
“And Cafe Millenium has been crying out for 1400m.”
Murrell said he had been inundated with interested potential suitors for Brave Mead.
“The phone hasn’t stopped ringing. We’re just waiting for some firm offers,” he said.
“There have been lots of figures bandied around. There are a lot of fishermen out there trying to get a nibble.
“There have been some eyewatering figures mentioned, but nothing firm in writing.”
By two-time Group 1 winner Brave Smash and out of Mead, Murrell is excited at what Brave Mead could potentially achieve from his next preparation moving forward.
“The sire’s doing amazingly well. So we’re more than happy to race on because his progeny all look like they’re three-year-olds,” he said.
“That’s probably the most exciting thing for us – that he’s a horse for the future.
“He’s not just a squibby two-year-old who is up and going, and happy to be last man standing.”
Murrell has been delighted with Brave Smash’s work at stud.
“He’s looking a bit freakish. To be fair he probably didn’t get the best quality of mares, and Mead was one of the better mares he got in his covering,” he said.
“Gary Portelli had Kimochi win midweek (Open Handicap level at Randwick at March 22).
“I know he said to us privately he thought it was his Slipper horse before she went amiss.
“I see she’s going to go to the Percy Sykes.
“We’ve got another two with Ciaron Maher who we think are Stakes grade.
“So it’s a bit exciting having raced the sire, and now we’ve seen his progeny come through.”
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