2025 Bletchingly Stakes: Trainer Troy Corstens concedes Baraqiel is vulnerable first-up

Trainer Troy Corstens admits he wishes the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes was run over 1100m instead of 1200m for his returning star Baraqiel, who kicks off his spring campaign at Caulfield on Saturday.

Baraqiel, ridden by Ben Allen, wins the McEwen Stakes at The Valley in October last year. Picture: Pat Scala / Racing Photos

Trainer Troy Corstens has conceded Baraqiel could be vulnerable fresh in the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

The comeback sprinter jumped out impressively last Friday, defeated Group 2 winner Arkansaw Kid and the talented Don’t Hope Do in a slick 800m heat.

Baraqiel has not raced since last November as the Group 2 winner sustained a front suspensory injury – his second – after a hind setback early in his career.

Baraqiel made his debut as a late five-year-old last season and proceeded to win six of 10 starts, including the Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1200m).

Corstens, who trains in partnership with father Leon and Will Larkins, said Baraqiel would improve out of Saturday whatever the result.

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“I’m going in coming off a long break, so whatever he does I’ll be careful at telling the owners we’re going to improve into the campaign,” Corstens said.

“His fitness level is good, it’s not perfect, but that’s to be expected for the amount of time he’s had off.”

Baraqiel has firmed $3 into $2.80 in all-in Bletchingly markets from Bridal Waltz ($4.60) and New York Lustre ($6).

“I would’ve loved it to be 1100m, then I’d be a bit more confident,” Corstens said.

“The 1200m, he’s going to be fresh, he’ll run well but he’ll take a stack of fitness from it.”

A star is born. ⭐️

Baraqiel trots in the McEwen! 😱@MaluaRacing@[e-mail]/bhrtvcWhhv

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) October 26, 2024

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Corstens has the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at The Valley on September 26 – AFL Grand Final Eve – slated as the ultimate spring goal for Baraqiel.

“How we get there, we’ll just see,” Corstens said.

“Whether we have three runs into the Manikato or two, we’ll see how he is.

“I think he’s a very very good horse, I would’ve loved to have had him sound from his two-year-old days that’s for sure, it’s his second prep really, proper second prep.

“He’s really sound at the moment … came through that trial well (last Friday), I’m looking forward to seeing where he can take us.”

Baraqiel’s co-trainer Troy Corstens with jockey Ben Allen. Picture: Brett Holburt / Racing Photos

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Corstens has regular jockey Ben Allen booked to ride Baraqiel on Saturday.

“I don’t think we could get him off with a crowbar,” Corstens laughed.

Meanwhile, in-form Listed winner Marble Nine is set to return to Flemington on August 2 for the Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap (1200m).

Marble Nine wins @TheFunkyFarm Sprint! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/v0Adinz4hg

— Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) June 21, 2025

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Corstens won the Flemington sprint in 2021 with The Astrologist.

“We were going to tip him out (after the Listed Santa Ana Lane Sprint Series Final) but he came through the run really well,” Corstens said.

Marble Nine has won four of nine starts this campaign including the past three.

Originally published as 2025 Bletchingly Stakes: Trainer Troy Corstens concedes Baraqiel is vulnerable first-up