Gladiola set to bloom at Flemington

The Listed VRC Sprint Classic (1100m) on Saturday will see My Gladiola attempt to get a win on the board after two runs down the Flemington straight this campaign. 

McArdle is still licking his wounds from a disastrous Newmarket Handicap in which My Gladiola was sent out the $4.80 second elect but failed to get into the race, winding up in tenth position behind Caballus. 

That race at Group 1 level against open age sprinters at 1200m on March 7 was the first time My Gladiola was not ridden by Jamie Mott in her 10-start career that has netted two wins and six minor placings. 

McArdle said My Gladiola's Newmarket Handicap was over as soon as the gate opened. 

"She came out of the run no problems, but it was a complete disaster from the start," McArdle said. 

"We've just got to forget it happened and we start again. 

"It was looking good leading up to the race, but as soon as they jumped it all went pear-shaped, but she came through it well, which is the main thing. 

"A half-million-dollar race down the straight over 1100 metres, it should be ideal for her. 

"We'll lick our wounds and go back and have another go." 

My Gladiola has 56.5kg on Saturday and Mott will be back aboard as the 50.5kg in the Newmarket was well below his weight scale. 

After Saturday's outing, McArdle is planning an attack on the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville on April 25. 

A Group 1 victory is one thing missing from My Gladiola's CV having run second to Tentyris on two occasions down the Flemington straight at the highest level. 

"The Sangster should be a good race," McArdle said. 

"She'll get in with 54-½ (kilos), and Jamie can ride her in both races," McArdle said. 

"He knows her well and hopefully it will work out better than what her last run did. 

"It's four weeks after Saturday to the Sangster. She'll have a trial in between and she should be good to go." 

McArdle said it was unlikely My Gladiola would back-up two weeks after the Sangster into the Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville on May 9. 

"She hasn't had a good record of backing up in two weeks, but we'll decide that after she runs in the Sangster," McArdle said. 

"If she runs well, she'll probably get put away to get ready for the spring."