Troy Corstens is optimistic about his progressive sprinter Baraqiel as the gelding prepares for his first crack at stakes-level competition in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
The lightly-raced son of Snitzel has shown consistency throughout his career, never finishing out of the placings in seven starts, with five wins under his belt.
His most recent victory was in a Benchmark 84 (1200m) at Moonee Valley on September 27 over the same course and distance.
“He was very good. He worked 1000 metres, home his last 600 metres,” Corstens, who trains in partnership with his father Leon and Will Larkin, told Racing.com during Breakfast With The Best on Tuesday morning.
“He’s obviously won here and galloped here before, I just wanted to give him a nice away day to stimulate him.
“I worked him with Bittercreek this morning and they were both excellent – we tried something a little bit different.
“We led up with Baraqiel and had Bittercreek in behind.
“He (Baraqiel) was excellent – Ben Allen reported that he heard Bittercreek coming, really picked the bridle up and ran right through the line.”
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