Tom Dabernig to aim three mares at Saturday’s Listed Bel Esprit Stakes at Caulfield

Warrnambool trainer Tom Dabernig will aim three talented mares at Saturday’s Listed Bel Esprit Stakes with the long-range plan to return for Group 3 assignment at Caulfield in a few weeks’ time.

Tom Dabernig will tackle Saturday’s Listed Bel Esprit Stakes with three runners in order to lay the foundation for a July ambush at Caulfield.

The Warrnambool-based Dabernig will run smart mares Cleo Cat, Romantic Choice and Fickle in the Caulfield feature as part of a plan to have the trio hard-fit for Group 3 races in July.

“The theory is to have them in work all through winter and maybe have a crack at the Bletchingly or Monash, those sprints they have in July before the spring horses get fit,” Dabernig said.

“Often you get the spring horses in it that need the run and the fit winter horse can pick them up.”

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Dabernig has already secured valuable black type with Cleo Cat and Romantic Choice with the pair winning at Group 3 and Listed level respectively while Fickle will have her second start at stakes level on Saturday.

As a winner of seven of her eight starts, Cleo Cat will lead Dabernig’s Bel Esprit Stakes team.

The four-year-old has returned in terrific form this time in, easily winning a three-horse race at Warrnambool before leading throughout to win the Group 3 Proud Miss Stakes in Adelaide last time out.

From Warrnambool to Morphettville, Cleo Cat pounces & makes it seven wins from eight career starts 😻@[e-mail]/AjxJNlthkD

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Cleo Cat’s only defeat came in the Listed Black Pearl Stakes at Geelong in January. Dabernig said the four-year-old had excuses for that performance.

“Cleo Cat is clearly in great form at the moment. I would say Cleo Cat hasn’t missed a beat since Adelaide,” Dabernig said.

“In the Geelong run, she was only beaten 1.4 (lengths) but it was 36 degrees and she pulled up with a bit of heat stress.

“That’s the other theory why we brought her in through winter. We thought the cooler weather might suit her better.”

Cleo Cat will attempt to enhance her already impressive record in Saturday's Listed Bel Esprit Stakes at Caulfield. Picture: Racing Photos

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Romantic Choice won the Black Pearl Stakes in January after a solid fifth in the Listed Christmas Stakes on the Caulfield Heath track last December.

The four-year-old has finished midfield at both runs this time in but Dabernig said punters could forgive Romantic Choice’s latest effort in the Listed Wangoom Handicap at Warrnambool on April 30.

“In the Wangoom, the track was a bit choppy and she drew barrier one and led on the rail but just couldn’t get her rhythm right,” Dabernig said.

“She should appreciate Caulfield and the better surface or the more even track.

“I’d forgive her (for the Wangoom run) and she’s a natural on-pacer.”

Romantic Choice will attempt to return to winning ways in Saturday’s Listed Bel Esprit Stakes at Caulfield. Picture: Racing Photos

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Fickle will resume in the Bel Esprit Stakes after struggling at Listed level at The Valley before a spell.

The speedy mare has pleased Dabernig with her recent trials, which convinced him to test her in Saturday’s race.

“She’s had three trials and ideally, I’d like to kick her off at 1000(m) but the black type over 1100m is worth a try for her, especially if she could place in it,” Dabernig said.

Dabernig has booked Beau Mertens to ride Cleo Cat as her regular rider Jordan Childs will be in Brisbane while Harry Coffey and Declan Bates will ride Romantic Choice and Fickle respectively.

Originally published as Tom Dabernig to aim three mares at Saturday’s Listed Bel Esprit Stakes at Caulfield