The Moonee Valley Racing Club (MVRC) has partnered with Bennett Racing and Malua Racing to secure an exciting contender for the inaugural $1 million “The Meteorite” on Cranbourne Cup Day, Saturday, November 23. Baraqiel, trained by Leon and Troy Corstens alongside Will Larkin, will represent MVRC in this high-stakes sprint.
Baraqiel earned his spot in The Meteorite after a dominant 2.75-length victory in the Group 2 Mittys McEwen Stakes on Ladbrokes Cox Plate Day, which granted him an automatic invitation to take MVRC’s slot in Southside Racing’s feature sprint. Connections accepted the invitation earlier today.
With a record of six wins and two placings from nine starts, Baraqiel has already amassed $473,025 in prize money, establishing himself as a rising star in the Australian sprinting scene. His recent sixth-place finish in the Group 1 Champions Sprint at Flemington further underscores his potential to compete among the country’s elite sprinters.
MVRC’s Head of Racing, Charlotte Mills, expressed excitement about the club’s entry. “The Meteorite is a fantastic new initiative by Southside Racing, and we’re thrilled to have a strong contender in the first running of this race,” she said. “Baraqiel was exceptional in the Mittys McEwen Stakes on Cox Plate Day and performed well against Australia’s best sprinters last weekend. We’re grateful his connections have accepted our invitation and look forward to a great race on Cranbourne Cup Day.”
Trainer Troy Corstens shared his enthusiasm, saying, “I’m thrilled to have the MVRC slot in the first-ever Meteorite. Baraqiel is a great fit for this event, and we’re excited to see how he performs.”
Nathan Bennett, founder of Bennett Racing, added, “We’re excited to be part of Southside Racing’s slot race with MVRC and can’t wait to see Baraqiel tackle the Cranbourne track again.”
With Baraqiel’s recent performances and growing reputation, he’s expected to be a major threat in The Meteorite’s debut, bringing added anticipation to Cranbourne Cup Day.