Geran stable chasing a third stakes win in Tattersall's Classic

By Glenn Davis

Co-trainer Corey Geran is still on a high after two recent stakes wins and is hopeful Mahbaby can make it three at Doomben on Saturday.

Mahbaby was entered for both the Listed Recognition Stakes and Listed Tattersall's Classic but the co-trainer has preferred the latter as the target for the six-year-old.

"It was a hard decision but she’s never been past 1200 metres and I’m more inclined to try her against fillies and mares where she’s a genuine chance,” Corey said.

Corey, who trains in partnership with his mother Kylie, claimed his first stakes win with Nikau Spur in the 2400 metre Listed Queensland Cup last month.

He then took Nikau Spur to Newcastle where the eight-year-old won the Listed Beauford over 2300 metres last Saturday.

Corey rated the Newcastle triumph as easily the highlight of his brief training career but is now focusing on Mahbaby boosting her stud value in the Tattersall’s Classic.

“It was incredible to win a Listed race in Newcastle,” Corey said.

“It was a big effort to travel all that way and win with a Queensland horse.”

Mahbaby has started 29 times for eight wins and 10 placings and will take her prize money earnings close to the $400,000 mark if successful in the Tattersall’s Classic.

The daughter of Mahisara was beaten just over two lengths at her last appearance when fifth to the Kris Lees-trained Bubba’s Bay in the Listed Keith Noud at Doomben on November 9.

“She ran fourth in the King Of The Mountain at Toowoomba at the start of the year and was beaten less than two lengths by a Group 1 horse in Rothfire,” Corey said.

“We’re just trying to get some black-type with her to boost her value at stud.

“She’s been very constant her whole career and the main concern is the wet track.”

Doomben is rated a Heavy 10 and Mahbaby was unplaced at her only attempt in the going.

“She’s very honest and I would have preferred a dry track but I’m confident she’ll handle the wet,” Corey said.

Mahbaby has been with 'Team Geran' since she was broken in as a yearling.