Ready to follow sibling’s example

TALENTED squaregaiter Maximus Meridius should have little trouble following his younger sibling’s example by making his way to Club Menangle’s winners’ circle today.

From good producer Maximiser, Maximus Meridius is a half-brother to Gladiatrix, which registered an overdue Group One triumph at the world class venue last Saturday night.

Widely-regarded among the best of her crop, Gladiatrix has previously been favourite in two top shelf events only to miss the placings due to her erratic manners.

On her best behaviour this time around, the Dean and Kerry McDowell-trained filly captured the New South Wales Trotters’ Oaks.

Gladiatrix’s success also doubled as driver Lleyton Green’s initial Group One victory.

“We were pretty heart broken about her making mistakes as a two-year-old in the Group Ones down in Melbourne,” Green said. “She has come back as a three-year-old and has just been an absolute professional.

“She’s finally got it all together tonight and got that Group One.

“To get my first Group One is truly amazing and feels like a big monkey off my back as I have run many placings, so to get that first won is something special.”

As for Maximus Meridius, he is also overdue for a win as he continues his trek along the comeback trail.

A Group Two winning juvenile, the son of Sebastian K missed last season due to surgery to remove a bone chip, with his six starts this campaign yielding three placings.

“He had to have a bone chip removed from his knee, so we gave him plenty of time off and brought back nice and steady,” Kerry said. “It wasn’t a big surgery, but obviously was hurting him and needed to be done.

“We’ve spent a lot of time swimming and walking him, and with plenty of TLC, he has come back nicely.

“He has been getting fitter with each run and is looking good, which is satisfying given the time and care put into him.”

Green has been booked to partner Maximus Meridius, which has drawn awkwardly in barrier eight over the 1609-metre sprint.

“It’s a difficult draw, but we are hopeful,” Kerry said. “Fitness-wise he is in terrific condition, now it’s a matter of luck from the draw.

“It is a pretty even field, so he is certainly among the chances.

“Given the amount of time he had off, and the time put into bringing him back, it will be very satisfying to have him win again.”

Earlier on the card the McDowells will be represented by Majestic Funds, which is a brother to Maximiser.

Also drawn wide in barrier nine due to his Outside of the Draw in Mobiles status, Majestic Funds is searching for his maiden win at his 25th start.

The son of Majestic Son showed a glimpse of hope with an eye-catching third at Club Menangle a fortnight ago.