The champion trainer has some great winning hopes.
Champion trainer Ciaron Maher has a slew of runners across Flemington and Randwick this Saturday.
At Melbourne’s racing headquarters he saddles up firm Victoria Derby favourite Observer, as well as two other runners Amazake and Matsuda, in the Group 1 staying test for the three-year-olds over 2500m
He also has roughie Jimmy Recard in the G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) down the Flemington straight, plus much-loved mare Pride Of Jenni in the G1 Empire Rose (1600m).
But his best winning hope might just be in Sydney in the $3 million Russell Balding Stakes (1300m) with Everest place-getter Jimmysstar.
“He’s nice and bright,” Maher said on SENTrack & RSN’s Giddy Up.
“That extra distance is ideal for him. His ideal trip is probably 1400 and we just keep him fresh to run shorter distances than that.
“I think there’s a bit to like about him on Saturday.”
Asked by Gareth Hall who he’d have $100 on from his stable this weekend, Maher’s answer was confident and succinct: “Jimmysstar.”
‘Jimmy’ is currently the $2.80 favourite with Sportsbet for the Russell Balding.
Another very strong hope for the behemoth stable is Observer in the Derby and Maher says there is absolutely no knock on the Godolphin colt who was dominant
“There’s no negatives with him, put it that way,” he added.
“He’s come through his run in great order, he’s worked well since. Mark (Zahra) had a stride around on him this morning and said he felt as good as ever.
“His plan has gone very smoothly so far. It’s a new challenge out to 2500 but all signs are very good.
“He’s an athletic horse and he seems to have a pretty good engine.”
Observer is the $2.05 favourite for the Derby.
Then there is the curious case of Pride Of Jenni who tackles Fangirl in the Empire Rose.
Things didn’t quite go to plan for the front-running mare in the King Charles at Randwick but this setup looks a bit better at Flemington from barrier 7.
“She’s got a brilliant record against Fangirl. It’s just a good race,” Maher said of Jenni.
“Both mares are closer to the end rather than the start of their careers and they’ve both been fantastic mares.
“She seems in good order, she worked on Tuesday and I’m pretty happy with her.
“Leaders like her need things (to fall their way). They either win by a margin or get beat by a margin.
“The King Charles was always going to be a bit tactical and it played out that way. Certainly on paper this looks a lot smoother.”
Pride Of Jenni is second favourite for the Empire Rose at $5 behind Fangirl who is $3.90.
Maher also provided an update on all of his Flemington runners and a few others at Randwick.
Flemington, R1: West Of Swindon ($7)
“He just felt that track a bit in the Guineas. He had to go forward from an ordinary gate, probably overdid it a fraction.
“I think he’ll bounce back. He’s worked well during the week and worked well at The Valley (last week) actually.”
Flemington, R2: Icarian Dream ($14)
“She’s had a few runs under the belt and all runs have been pretty good.
“Blinkers on, Flemington. I think the blinkers will help.”
Flemington, R3: Buenos Noches ($61)
“He’s had a few issues. He did actually hit the line ok the other day.
“You’d be a brave man or woman backing him. I do think he’ll improve but I don’t know if it’s enough to win.”
Flemington, R5: Warnie ($8)
“He needs things to go his way but he’s got a bit of timing about him.
“1400, Flemington and Zahra just can’t seem to do much wrong lately. We’ll back him to get it right.
“The horse is very well.”
Flemington, R5: Holymanz ($23)
“Has got good fresh form and over the trip at Flemington.
“But might just want the run.”
Flemington, R6 - Coolmore: Jimmy Recard ($34)
“He can (cause an upset). I’ve always had a lot of time for him.
“I just don’t reckon he was at his best last start. His work since has been super and this trial was fantastic.
“He has to improve but I think he will and I think his best is good enough to be very competitive.
“I think he’s over the odds.”
Flemington, R7 - Derby: Amazake ($46)
“Amazake is a genuine stayer.
“I know he’s still a maiden but they went early in his last run which was the Caulfield Classic, and I thought he toughed it out very well.
“A genuine 2500 would probably lend itself to him.”
Flemington, R7 - Derby: Matsuda ($51)
“I’d rather a better gate, but I think he’s better outside of horses.
“He’s a big horse and if he gets crowded I don’t think he enjoys it, so it mightn’t be the worst gate for him.”
Flemington, R9: Hi Dubai ($17)
“She’s been ultra consistent that mare.
“We are deep in her prep but her runs have been fantastic.
“If she could win it wouldn’t surprise but she probably needs to improve a fraction.”
Randwick, R8 - Golden Eagle: Willydoit ($21)
“I’ve put the shades on him to find a little bit which we need to especially over that trip.
“On form you would say he’s not quite sharp enough, hence why I’ve put the blinkers on.
“Big track, I’d hope for a slightly better draw. He’s a quality horse, it’s going to be a tough race but hopefully the blinkers get a bit better turn of foot out of him.”
Randwick, R9: Fawkner Park ($14)
“He’s a good horse, he’ll be better for this run.
“He looks like he’s improving. We haven’t had him long but he’s in good order.”
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