Trainer Maddie Raymond keen to get import Earlswood, an All-Star Mile and Australian Cup hopeful, to the races

Trainer Maddie Raymond plots autumn path for All-Star Mile hopefuls Turaath and talented Irish import Earlswood.

Maddie Raymond excited about her autumn prospects Turaath and Earlswood. Picture: Getty Images

Maddie Raymond will unwrap a second $5m All-Star Mile hopeful on Thursday, with an exhibition gallop between races at Warrnambool for talented import Earlswood.

Raymond, who has Group 1 CF Orr Stakes-bound mare Turaath in contention for wildcard entry into the world’s richest mile, will rely on the All-Star-qualifier Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) for Earlswood.

Earlswood, raced in the same interests as emerging trainer Raymond’s first city winner Wentwood, finished fourth in the Group 1 Irish Derby last year.

“He’s won a couple of Group 3s overseas and got really good form around him,” Raymond said.

“We’ve got a couple of options for him, we’re just going to see how he gallops and trials the next fortnight.

“He’d be looking to win the Blamey to get into that (All-Star Mile), the Blamey is probably a realistic goal for him … whether we head to the All-Star Mile or potentially even the Australian Cup.”

Raymond’s stocks received a boost last Saturday, with Turaath an eye-catching third in the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at The Valley behind Marabi.

MARABI 🔥

An incredible sprinting display in the G2 Australia Stakes!@[e-mail]/oIvn186zvJ

— Racing.com (@Racing) January 29, 2022

Turaath, who will return to the races in the CF Orr Stakes on February 12 at Caulfield, placed first-up in the Group 3 Standish Handicap (1200m).

“We found last preparation once she had a couple of runs under her belt she equipped herself better,” Raymond said.

“We’re looking forward to getting her to 1400m but I can’t wait to see what she does over a mile.”

Despite only having a small team to work with, Raymond has prepared 20 winners from 135 starters, including the Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes (Turaath) and Group 3 Bendigo Cup (Wentwood).

Turaath is a $15 chance in TAB‘s pre-nominations CF Orr market.

Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained Sinawaan, who ran second in the Australia Stakes despite blowing the start, is a $4 equal favourite with I‘m Thunderstruck.

Originally published as Trainer Maddie Raymond keen to get import Earlswood, an All-Star Mile and Australian Cup hopeful, to the races