Cliff Brown mare Little Miss Kubi back on track for Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield

Trainer Cliff Brown is confident Little Miss Kubi will bounce back in the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes after a nine-length defeat last start.

Little Miss Kubi had a flat run after winning at Sandown two starts ago. Picture: Pat Scala/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Little Miss Kubi is set to rebound on Saturday in the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield after being under the weather last start.

The fast and consistent four-year-old mare, trained by Cliff Brown, put in a lacklustre performance last month at Flemington in a Benchmark 84, beaten the best part of nine lengths.

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A post-race veterinary examination explained the uncharacteristic run.

“She pulled up with mucus,” Brown said.

“We scope them all after they gallop, she was fine, between Tuesday (trackwork) to Saturday (race day) she got a bug out of the blue.”

Little Miss Kubi cemented Sir John Monash Stakes plans with a jumpout win at Sandown on June 26.

“It took a bit (to recover) … we had to get that right but she’s been really well since,” Brown said.

“No different to us having a cold, you feel a bit lousy for a week or two and then you’re right.”

"Little Miss Kubi just slid past."

That was very impressive from the Cliff Brown-trained mare 😍 @blake_shinnpic.twitter.com/OpPj3GKoW0

— Racing.com (@Racing) May 15, 2024

Little Miss Kubi is rated a $26 chance with TAB to win the weight-for-age sprint.

Recommendation ($3) and Mornington Glory ($3.10) spearhead the market from Ashford Street ($5.50), Mrs Chrissie ($5.50) and Party For Two ($9).

Little Miss Kubi has won four of 18 starts, including two back at Sandown, and placed five times.

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The Headwater mare won the Listed Manihi Classic (1100m) in Adelaide last year.

“If you forgive the Flemington … she’s running really well,” Brown said.

“She loves a wet track … at her best she can be competitive.

“Barrier probably makes it a bit awkward, eight of eight.”

In-form jockey Thomas Stockdale picked up the ride with Blake Shinn and Damian Lane on Recommendation and Ashford Street respectively.

Stockdale banked a double at Sandown last Wednesday.

Originally published as Cliff Brown mare Little Miss Kubi back on track for Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield