Sun on the rise again for Maskiell in VRC St Leger
Developing stayer El Poder Del Sol could continue his emergence as a late threeyear-old in the VRC St Leger (2800m) on Thursday.
Trainer Liam Howley thought highly enough of El Poder Del Sol to give him his debut at Flemington in May last year. The then-two-yearold flashed home for fourth over 1400m.
That effort indicated a win was near but El Poder Del Sol required patience and gelding to work up to winning ways. He finally posted an impressive maiden success at his seventh attempt.
El Poder Del Sol came from the rear of the field to score a dominant win at Geelong, showing regular rider Jason Maskiell the son of Almazor was on the rise.
Maskiell expected El Poder Del Sol to build on his Geelong win in the traditional Anzac Day feature on Thursday.
“He’s actually relaxed a lot better since he’s been gelded and the penny might have started to drop with him,” Maskiell said.
“We’ve ridden him a few different ways and some of them haven’t worked but we rode him cold last time and he relaxed beautifully for me.
“He might have been able to win by further.
“But he actually didn’t know what to do when he got to the front and had a look around, so he’s still learning and will get better.
“I’ve always had a bit of a wrap on him since I rode him in his first race.
“It’s good to see him start to put it together because he’s a talented horse.”
The 2800m of the VRC St Leger will present a new challenge for all runners in the $200,000 race.
However, Maskiell was optimistic about El Poder Del Sol seeing out the journey.
“He’s an unknown over the trip but he’s a full-brother to Virtuous Circle and he stays all day,” Maskiell said.
“So there’s no reason to think he won’t run it out if he relaxes again.”
TAB rated El Poder Del Sol as a $31 chance in early St Leger betting.
Maskiell said pulling off the upset win would be a reward for Howley’s loyalty to him.
“I’ll go across (from Trafalgar to Kyneton) to do jumpouts or trials when he needs me so it’s great that he supports me with rides,” he said.
“I’ve known him a long time, back to when I was riding work at Caulfield. Liam has been a really good supporter of mine and it would be great to win the St Leger for him.”