Beau Rada tackles extended short course

Beau Rada is yet to win beyond 1000 metres but his trainer John McArdle hopes maturity will help extend his repertoire.

The five-year-old caught the eye with a fast-finishing fourth over 1000m when he resumed at his favourite track, Moonee Valley, and on Saturday rises to 1100m in the Fiesta Star Handicap at Flemington.

Beau Rada has raced on 26 occasions, registering seven wins and a further five placings, but throughout his career he has been suspect beyond 1000m.

He has only been tried beyond 1000m three times, twice over 1050m and once at Saturday’s distance, finishing less than 2-1/2 lengths from the winner Sheidel in Listed company at Caulfield in April.

McArdle said Saturday’s race was the only suitable option ahead of a return for a 1000m race at Moonee Valley on December 31.

“There wasn’t a suitable 1000 metre race available and it would have been five weeks between runs for him,” McArdle said.

“At this stage of his prep we can’t do that so he’ll run at Flemington and then there’s a race at Moonee Valley on New Year’s Eve.

“The 1100 metres on Saturday is a massive query and if you have a look at his form he doesn’t run the trip.

“We’re hoping he’s matured but at this point we’ll ride him like we always do, held up and see if he can finish off.”

While Beau Rada is untried over 1100m down the straight at Flemington, he has home quality sprinters Supido and Malaguerra in 1000m-races.

McArdle said barrier 10 in the 14 horse field would give the gelding every chance to run out the trip.

“From barrier 10 it’s probably the right spot to be to hold him up and have one late crack to try and get the 1100 (metres),” McArdle said.

“And there’s probably not a Supido or a Malaguerra in the race.

“Hopefully he’ll be hitting the line nice and strong but it’s just that last little bit that has me worried.”