Dabernig's Cat to pounce in Monash

Article by Edward Sadler for racing.com

Ultra-consistent mare Cleo Cat will be looking to pick up her first Victorian Stakes win when she lines up in the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.

Tom Dabernig's charge has had two starts since her success in the G3 Proud Miss Stakes at Morphettville, where she's finished behind in-form gallopers Niance and Marble Nine.

Image Courtesy of Racing Photos

"She's been great," Dabenig said.

"Her last two runs, she's been beaten but has run good, competitive seconds where the form out of those races has been good.

"She heads to Caulfield well, she worked on the course proper on Monday morning and worked nicely, so she's in good shape heading into this weekend."

A winner of seven of her 10 career starts, Cleo Cat has quickly risen through the ranks.

"She's always had nice ability, which has helped her get through the grades and now she's a Group 3 winner," Dabernig said.

"Hopefully, a fit horse in winter, a little bit of rain about, I think a bit of give in the ground would be nice. Jordan Childs, who's got a great record on her, gets back aboard.

"He hasn't ridden her the past two starts but that's just been through circumstance, he went to Queensland and then Craig Williams, with the light weight last start, got the ride.

"I'm sure she'll run well."

Dabernig revealed that, beyond Saturday, the G3 Bletchingly Stakes on July 26 could be an option for Cleo Cat, who is at $5.50 in Sportsbet's market for the Monash.

The Warrnambool-based horseman will also saddle up Shadhavar on Saturday, as she makes her return in the Sportsbet Race Previews Handicap.

The Pride Of Dubai filly has won both of her trials leading into Saturday's 1100-metre contest.

"She's trialed really nicely," Dabernig said.

"She's a three-year-old filly that's got good ability, we've got her in nice and early to try and have her up and rolling for that late winter, early spring and get a run in at the end of her three-year-old season.

"I'm sure it will be a competitive race, but she seems to be going well."

Shadhavar has quickly firmed from $4.20 into favouritism at $3.60 for the second event on the Caulfield card.