Trainer Marc Chevalier Targets $500,000 Four Pillars Midway Prize
Hawkesbury trainer prepares Stand My Ground for a strategic first-up performance at Randwick.
1Strategic Race Targeting
Trainer Marc Chevalier is preparing his four-year-old mare, Stand My Ground, for the $500,000 Four Pillars Midway at Randwick. This specific race is highly valued by Midway trainers due to its exceptional prize money, which Chevalier notes is unmatched by any benchmark 68 race globally, making it a primary target for his stable.
2Post-Oaks Recovery Plan
Following a difficult finish in the group 1 Australian Oaks, Chevalier and the horse's connections decided to pivot their strategy. They opted against pressing on to Queensland, choosing instead to provide the mare with a long break. This decision was based on her rating, which perfectly suited the upcoming Four Pillars Midway event.
3Performance and Physicality
Despite a wide draw in gate 20, Chevalier remains optimistic about the mare's chances. He highlights her recent trial performance, where she recorded a sharp 32.8-second final split. Although she possesses a massive action that can appear dour, the trainer insists she has developed excellent acceleration and looks in peak physical condition.
4Tactical Race Execution
Jockey Tyler Schiller will face a challenging task navigating the wide draw in a large field. Chevalier anticipates a strong pace, which should suit the mare's style. The tactical plan involves making an early move around the 600-meter mark, allowing the horse to utilize her stamina and outstay the competition during the final stretch.
5Stable Growth Ambitions
Marc Chevalier, who has been training since 2021, currently manages 13 horses in work. He is actively looking to expand his stable operations following his notable success in the 2022 listed Christmas Cup with Torrens. This upcoming race represents a significant opportunity to elevate his stable's profile and secure further financial growth.
6Investment and Ownership
The mare was purchased for $30,000 at the Inglis 2024 HTBA Yearling Sale by Dr. Ule Crosson. Crosson, a long-term supporter of Chevalier, has previously enjoyed success with the trainer, including the horse Everyone’s A Star, which was acquired for only $15,000 and secured four town wins under Chevalier's guidance.
7Future Stayer Potential
While initially bred to run 1400 meters, the mare quickly demonstrated the stride and recovery rate of a stayer. Chevalier plans to target longer distance events such as the Summer, ATC, Christmas, and Australia Day cups. He believes that with a more conservative approach, she will successfully handle the 2400-meter distance.
8Competitive Landscape Overview
The Four Pillars Midway field includes various contenders, with the Jack Pilkington-trained Alabama State currently positioned as the $6.50 favorite. Stand My Ground enters the race as a $13 TAB chance. Chevalier remains bullish, confident that the mare's fresh state and tactical adjustments will make her highly competitive against the current field.