Brave Mead is a big, talented colt, and Ciaron Maher-David Eustace stable staff believe there is plenty of upside to his future.
They were the thoughts of strapper James Barker after the two-year-old’s convincing 2 ¾-length victory in the Listed Valley Pearl Stakes over 1200m at The Valley on Friday night.
With two wins from his first three career starts, Brave Mead is proving to be a shrewd $90,000 purchase after being offered by Lustre Lodge at the 2021 Inglis July (Early) Online Sale.
Winning jockey John Allen mentioned the Group 1 Sires’ Produce Stakes for two-year-olds over 1400m at Randwick next Saturday could be an option if he pulls up well from Friday night’s victory.
Regardless of his next assignment, Barker echoed those thoughts, saying Brave Mead was set to continue progressing nicely through the grades.
“Obviously big things can come for him,” he told HorseBetting.com.au.
“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.”
Barker sees near-identical potential in stablemate Tass, the three-year-old filly coming third in the Alexandra Stakes on Friday night.
She too has had three starts for one win, saluting at maiden level also over a mile and at The Valley,/a> on March 5.
“Considering she went up a grade, she went really well,” Barker said.
“Absolutely (her future is bright). For a Group 3 she did really well, and with age she’ll get better.”
And Barker was impressed with Bella Nipotima – one of the Group 1-winning stars of the Maher-Eustace stable – finishing runner-up to Imperatriz in the William Reid Stakes.
“There wasn’t much in it, and she tried her guts out as usual,” he said.
Valley Pearl Stakes (Moonee Valley 1200m) Race Replay – Brave Mead (1ST)
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