Easter Cup tilt for Ciaron Maher pair at Caulfield
The Ciaron Maher stable will head to a Stakes race at Caulfield with a two-pronged attack.
The Group 3 Easter Cup (2000m) on Saturday will feature Future History and Jennilala.
Future History heads to Saturday’s contest having had one start since finishing 15th in last year’s Melbourne Cup behind Without A Fight.
Maher was delighted with the first-up run of Future History in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on March 2, pointing out the race was far too short.
He is expecting the 2000m journey on Saturday to be ideal for the gelding’s second-up outing.
“I’m rapt with him,” Maher said.
“I thought he was massive unders first-up given the race was a mile, but I thought he ran really well, and he’s come on since.
“The 2000 metres will be much more to his liking.”
A former French galloper, Future History progressed through the winter last year to win The Bart Cummings (2500m) at Flemington to earn himself a start in the Melbourne Cup field.
Maher said Saturday’s outing was another building block on the road to fitness ahead of another step up in distance.
“He’s building towards a mile-and-a-half and potentially a trip to Brisbane,” Maher said.
“He’s going well.”
Joining Future History in the Easter Cup will be Jennilala who is returning from a trip to Sydney.
Raced in the same colours as stablemate Pride Of Jenni, Jennilala was a last start sixth in the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill.
At her previous start, Jennilala was successful first-up over 1400m at Flemington.
Jennilala’s last appearance at 2000m was when third in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks at Morphettville just shy of 12 months ago.
“She’s back down here and looks ready for the 2000 metres,” Maher said.
More Racing News
De Bergerac's final preparation ahead of Santa Ana Lane Series
With a place already secured in next month's Santa Ana Lane Series Final, De Bergerac will have its final tune-up in this Saturday's qualifier for the Listed event.The Grahame Begg-trained five-year-old, a gelding, is set to contest the $150,000 open handicap over 1100 metres at Flemington.This race represents the last...
Asfoora set for Royal Ascot return with blinkers on
The pinnacle event, Grand Final Day, is fast approaching for Asfoora, and her trainer Henry Dwyer is anticipating an enhanced performance from his globe-trotting mare in the King Charles III Stakes on the first day at Royal Ascot.The seven-year-old daughter of Flying Artie, who triumphed in the 1005-metre Group 1...
Skyhook proves mile credentials in Gunsynd Classic success
Skyhook has successfully demonstrated his aptitude for the mile distance with a dominant performance in the Gunsynd Classic, now firmly establishing himself as a contender for the prestigious Golden Eagle in the spring.Co-trainer Sterling Alexiou confirmed that the promising three-year-old colt would be sent for a spell following his impressive...
Remedial trial work for See That Storm after debut setback
Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr's stable has opted for remedial trial work for former European import See That Storm following a disappointing debut performance in Australia.The gelding finished at the tail of the field on his Australian debut at Caulfield on May 30, crossing the line more than 10...
Royal Supremacy dictates terms to win The Q22
In a performance reminiscent of Pride Of Jenni, the Ciaron Maher-trained Royal Supremacy dictated the pace from the outset to secure victory in The Q22 at Eagle Farm.Following the late withdrawal of Pride Of Jenni due to the Heavy 9 track, Royal Supremacy assumed the lead in the Group 2...
McDonald Triumphs in JJ Atkins Stakes, Sets New Group 1 Record
A champion indeed, Tron Bolt, under the expert handling of James McDonald, clinched victory in the prestigious Group 1 JJ Atkins Stakes (1600m) at Eagle Farm. In doing so, McDonald etched his name in the record books, surpassing Malcolm Johnston's long-standing mark for group one wins in a single Australian...
Taylor Marshall celebrates maiden Group One win in Stradbroke Handicap
In a memorable moment, Taylor Marshall has secured his inaugural Group One victory in Queensland's most prestigious race, the Stradbroke Handicap, echoing his late father John Marshall's success nearly four decades prior.Piloting the Toby Edmonds-trained Spicy Martini ($13), Marshall steered the mare to a gripping triumph in the $3 million...
Straand Deal Maintains Winning Form
Trainer Lloyd Kennewell is contemplating a northern campaign or a spell for Straand Deal to prepare for the spring, after the gelding achieved his third straight win at Sandown.The gelding's triumph in the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Handicap over 2400m on Saturday was his first at the distance, following earlier...
Thebudgiesmugla's perfect 2400m record continues with Rosehill win
Emerging staying prospect Thebudgiesmugla has vindicated the decision to forgo the Brisbane Cup in favour of a Listed race at Rosehill, maintaining its unblemished record over 2400 metres.Trainer Bjorn Baker, currently overseas to oversee the Royal Ascot campaign of sprinter Overpass, opted for Saturday's The Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2400m)...
Coeur Volante finds winning form again at Sandown
The decision to recommence training for Coeur Volante has yielded positive results, with the mare emerging victorious at Sandown.Her triumph in the IVE> Handicap (1400m) on Wednesday represented her second start for her new custodians, who secured her for $500,000 last spring via Widden Stud and Bangaloe Stud.Coeur Volante had...