Ciaron Maher‘s Erno’s Cube displayed both determination and experience to claim a narrow victory in the 2024 Reisling Stakes at Randwick.
The Rubick filly, the most seasoned competitor in the field, overcame early challenges to surge past rivals in the closing stages.
Jockey Jason Collett rode Erno’s Cube from an awkward position towards the back of the pack.
Despite the extra effort required to find a running lane, Erno’s Cube unleashed a powerful late run wider out, edging out Godolphin’s Silmarillion for the win.
Race favourite Too Darn Lizzie, fresh off her Magic Millions Fillies Debut victory in January, led for much of the race but ultimately settled for third despite showing plenty of fight.
“She is still improving physically, mentally still doing plenty wrong. From that gate it was always going to be a bit tricky,” stable rep Johann Gerard-Bubord told the media post-win.
“She didn’t help herself early, once she got a bit of cover she dropped the bridle and it was a good effort to be able to quicken and get her nose in front.”
Erno’s Cube, who previously finished fourth in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and third in the Silver Slipper Stakes, has now solidified her credentials as a contender on the big stage.
This win has sparked discussions about a potential tilt at the Golden Slipper Stakes at Rosehill Gardens on March 23rd.
A victory in the Golden Slipper would see Erno’s Cube emulate Estijaab, the last filly to achieve the Reisling Stakes – Golden Slipper double (2018).
Her pre-field Golden Slipper odds have significantly shortened from $51 to $34 at Ladbrokes following her impressive performance.
However, connections may also opt for a Randwick target during The Championships in April.
The Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) is a potential alternative with a million dollars up for grabs, with Erno’s Cube currently priced at $11 in pre-field betting at Ladbrokes.
“We will see how she comes through it first. Obviously, the Slipper is always tempting but the boys seem to be better than the fillies this year,” Gerard-Bubord said.
“She’d gone two weeks from the Silver Slipper, so the right thing to do would be to give her a bit of time and go to the Percy Sykes, but we’ll see how she comes through it.
“It’s a discussion to have also now she is a Group Two winner.
“She has been going for a long time, she’s had a little freshen between races but she seems to handle her racing very well.”
Erno’s Cube’s fighting spirit and closing speed have made her a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming juvenile features.
The racing world will be watching closely to see which path her connections choose.
2024 Reisling Stakes Results
Finish | No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Margin | Bar. | Weight | Penalty | Starting Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | ERNO’S CUBE | Ciaron Maher | Jason Collett | 8 | 55.5kg | $3.70 | |||
2 | 8 | SILMARILLION | James Cummings | James McDonald | 0.14L | 2 | 55.5kg | $4.60 | ||
3 | 1 | TOO DARN LIZZIE | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Tim Clark | 0.34L | 3 | 55.5kg | $3.10F | ||
4 | 5 | MISS BUSSLINGER | Kris Lees | Dylan Gibbons (a) | 1.95L | 7 | 55.5kg | $20 | ||
5 | 6 | EXTREME DIVA | Anthony Cummings | Chad Schofield | 2.1L | 1 | 55.5kg | $8 | ||
6 | 9 | MIC DROP | Todd Howlett | Tommy Berry | 2.27L | 6 | 55.5kg | $26 | ||
7 | 4 | NYMPHADORA | Stephen O’Halloran | Tom Sherry | 3.54L | 4 | 55.5kg | $19 | ||
8 | 7 | REASONABLE POINT | Ben Brisbourne | Sam Clipperton | 3.86L | 5 | 55.5kg | $10 | ||
3 | CASTANYA | Annabel Neasham | Zac Lloyd (a) | 0 |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
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