Maher, Eustace back experienced crew in the Inglis Nursery

Ciaron Maher and David Eustace are relying on race experience to give their trio of Inglis Nursery runners an edge as they hunt for their third win in the $500,000 feature.
The training powerhouses, who have taken out the race with Acrobat in 2020 and El Padrino in 2021, saddle-up colts Odinson and Sacred Fort, along with impressive debut winner Deep Joy.
Only five of the 15 runners in Saturday's Inglis Nursery (1000m) have raced before, three of them belonging to Maher and Eustace, and the latter is banking on that match practice proving crucial.
"You see it time and time again, the real topliners probably don't need that run or two, but the others tend to, so it's got to be a plus," Eustace said.
Odinson comes to Sydney after a closing third in the Maribyrnong Plate (1000m) at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day when he ran on resolutely to be beaten less than half a length.
While he was ridden patiently that day, Eustace said his start would dictate where he settled from the widest draw in the 15-strong Inglis Nursery field.
"We will probably see how he jumps. He's got the race experience, not a lot of horses in the field actually have that, so that's a big plus as we know," he said.
"He's had a trial in between and he looks to have trained on really well.
"We really liked his first run, he just lacked a bit of know-how at the end of the race but he's a nice horse."
Odinson is new to the clockwise direction of racing and Eustace admits that will be a challenge as the horse "hasn't been an absolute natural" when training on his Sydney leg.
However, the stable is banking on the colt's instincts and jockey Tyler Schiller's horsemanship to navigate it.
Filly Deep Joy has also impressed the team, the daughter of Deep Field producing a dashing late finish to overpower her rivals on debut over 900m at Newcastle.
While she will appreciate further than the 1000m of Saturday's race, Eustace says the roomy Randwick circuit will be ideal.
"Really nice filly, she's not very big either, but she has always had a big action for a small filly," Eustace said.
"It wasn't a surprise to see her do that on debut. That was over 900, to be honest she is probably looking for 1100 or 1200 now, but 1000 at Randwick will still be a plus from 900 at Newcastle."
Sacred Fort rounds out the Maher-Eustace squad, having finished a solid third to Deep Joy at his first start to earn a spot in Saturday's race.
"He's a workmanlike two-year-old and the race doesn't look overly strong this year, it's good prizemoney, so he deserves his shot at it," Eustace said.
Sacred Fort is the longest priced of their three runners at $19, while Odinson and Deep Joy are prominent in early markets at $4.60 and $5 respectively.
Betting is headed by Maribyrnong Plate runner-up Blue Stratum at $3.70 with online bookies.
More Racing News
Sir Kingsford's local Cups campaign begins at Morphettville Parks
A pursuit of a Melbourne Cup start has been abandoned for the South Australian galloper Sir Kingsford, who will now focus his attention on local Cup races.After securing second place in the Port Adelaide Cup at Morphettville in May, Sir Kingsford then travelled to Flemington to compete in the Andrew...
Nearco Frod seeks fifth win in a row at Sandown
The training partnership of Tony and Calvin McEvoy possesses a thorough understanding of equine development.Last year, after a period spent in the warmer climate of Queensland, Half Yours returned to claim a double in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.Half Yours is once again bound for the Melbourne Cup, with a...
Signature Scent primed for Carlyon Stakes challenge
A 1000m dash at Stakes level has been on the radar for Signature Scent for some time, according to the Ciaron Maher stable.Notwithstanding a recent failure to place in a three-year-old event, the stable sees no impediment to her contesting the Group 3 Carlyon Stakes (1000m) at Sandown this Saturday.Having...
Idle Flyer's Spring Carnival Path Tested in Winx Stakes
Trainer Matthew Smith is keen to assess Idle Flyer's capabilities against top competition as she begins her spring campaign in the Winx Stakes at Randwick, with the Cox Plate looming as a potential target.After a dominant performance in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) in the autumn,...
Apocalyptic primed for Randwick return, says Berry
Just as Ninja made a statement with his Missile Stakes win two weeks ago, stablemate Apocalyptic will be on a mission to do the same when she launches her campaign in the Toy Show Quality at Randwick.Dominant in the Princess Series as a spring three-year-old, Apocalyptic performed below expectations in...
Almairac's Adelaide venture after frustrating draws
Despite a string of unfavourable barrier draws in the past week, trainer Cliff Brown is taking a calculated risk by sending Almairac to Adelaide.Almairac has faced wide gates at recent starts, including last Saturday in Sydney and Wednesday at Sandown. On Saturday, the gelding will again jump from a challenging...
Screen Icon's prospects brightened by Rosebud result
Trainer John Thompson received a positive sign from the Rosebud race, even without a runner, which has bolstered his confidence for Screen Icon's upcoming appearance in the Silver Shadow Stakes at Randwick.The recent running of the Rosebud saw Chilly Girl emerge victorious, finishing a half-length ahead of Screen Icon in...
Ceolwulf poised for spring resurgence
Trainer Joe Pride is optimistic about the return to form for Ceolwulf, a four-time Group One winner, after an abbreviated autumn campaign.The star miler, who had his spring campaign cut short after just two starts last time in due to foot concerns and a minor bleed, will make his reappearance...
Tennessee aiming for seventh consecutive win
Ciaron Maher's stable possesses a remarkable ability to nurture older mares, bringing out their best performances.One can point to the examples of Bella Nipotina and Pride Of Jenni, who continued to perform at a high level throughout their careers.Tennessee Bound, while perhaps not in the same calibre, boasts a notable...
Rosehill trials feature Headwall and emerging talent
While the Winx Stakes contest between Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi is capturing attention this week, Rosehill barrier trials are also a significant drawcard as several equine stars intensify their preparations for their return to racing.Headwall, a contender for The Everest, will undertake his third trial over 900 metres in...









