The Ciaron Maher stable has taken some important learnings from Yolo’s first two starts, and they are hoping the horse has as well.
The juvenile will chase his first win in Saturday’s Inglis Millennium (1100m) at Randwick after finishing less than three-quarters of a length from one of his weekend rivals, Open Secret, at his Sydney debut last month.
Prior to that, he raced greenly and had little luck in the straight when fourth to stablemate Cherish Me in the Geelong Diamond.
While the colt showed improved racing manners last start, he also peaked on his run over the final 50m after presenting as the winner halfway up the straight.
As a result, the plan is to give him a more patient ride and save him for one late charge.
“He loomed and just peaked a bit late, and I think we learned a bit about him that day,” Maher’s assistant trainer Johann Gerard-Dubord said.
“We just need to ride him a little bit quieter and save him. He’s got a good turn of foot.”
A beautiful barrier draw in seven is expected to be advantageous and Gerard-Dubord reports Yolo has continued to take steps forward at home.
“He has really come on from that run. He worked very well on Saturday, he’s drawn well and he will get his chance,” Gerard-Dubord said.
“The good draw is a big thing and now he’s had two runs, he is more experienced than most of them. He looks very well and I think he’ll run a good race.”
Ashley Morgan partners Yolo and will be looking for his second lucrative feature this year after snaring the $3 million Magic Millions Sunlight (1100m) aboard Private Harry at the Sunshine Coast last month
Maher will be represented by progressive three-year-old Goodlucktome in the Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) and while the last start Canterbury winner is among the outsiders at $34 with Aussie betting apps, Gerard-Dubord won’t be surprised to see him feature.
“He has always had plenty of talent but physically, he keeps improving. He is still furnishing,” he said.
“He is a real dry tracker so that will be key.
“He’s a big price but he will run a good race. He is improving a lot, very quickly.”
