Super Elegant Seeks Third Consecutive Win in the Monash Stakes

Strategic Insights -

Veteran sprinter Super Elegant, racing at the age of nine, is set to return to the track at Caulfield on Saturday, aiming to secure his 20th victory in the listed Monash Stakes after a long recovery from a serious leg injury. Trainer Kelvin Bourke, who took over the reins from Tony Vasil during the spring carnival, is cautiously optimistic about the horse's chances despite the demanding task ahead. Super Elegant will face stiff competition from up-and-coming two-year-old Due Sasso, the talented but temperamental three-year-old Danerich, and the in-form mare Illusionist.

Key Takeaways:

  • Super Elegant, a nine-year-old sprinter, will attempt to claim his 20th victory in the Monash Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.
  • Trainer Kelvin Bourke is cautious about the horse's chances, considering he has only been trialed once at Cranbourne and is racing at a slower pace than in previous years.
  • Super Elegant has been in training at Portarlington, where he has access to the beach, and has been treated for his leg injury with a plaster cast and hyperbaric chamber therapy.
  • The horse's owners continued to have him trained by Bourke, who has easy access to the Portarlington property from his Geelong base.
  • Super Elegant has 62 starts to his name and has a history of racing successfully with Bourke.
  • The Monash Stakes is expected to be a competitive event, with due Sasso, Danerich, and Illusionist all likely to be in the running.
  • Trainer Robbie Laing has five runners in the Hiskens Steeplechase at Moonee Valley on July 29, including Sir Pentire, who will gain his steeplechasing ticket this week.
  • Sydney jockey Chris Munce may return to racing in Australia later this week after having his passport returned in Hong Kong.
  • Champion jockey Shane Dye is expected to return to racing in three months after being released from a Hong Kong hospital following a serious fall.

Statistics:

  • Super Elegant has 62 starts to his name.
  • The Monash Stakes is a listed event.
  • Super Elegant is attempting to claim his 20th victory.
  • The Hiskens Steeplechase has a prize purse of $200,000.
  • The steeplechase will take place at Moonee Valley on July 29.

Sources:

  • Bourke, Kelvin. (Interview).
  • Vasil, Tony. (Letter).
  • (Newspaper Article, Title unknown).
  • ICAC. (Press Release).
  • Laing, Robbie. (Interview).
  • Munce, Chris. (Court Document).
  • Dye, Shane. (Interview).