Goldenstatewarrior set for Bendigo debut
The Ciaron Maher stable will unveil one of their latest international acquisitions in a benchmark race at Bendigo.
Goldenstatewarrior is set to run for the first time for Maher in the IMMIX, Metal Recycled Right Handicap (1600m) on Saturday.
The gelding, by Golden Horn, started his career with Johnny Murtagh before joining Harry Eustace for one start ahead of making his way to Australia.
A winner on debut in Ireland over 1929m, Goldenstatewarrior was then sent straight to Stakes company at his next two starts at Leopardstown and Goodwood.
Goldenstatewarrior was then transferred into the yard of Harry Eustace, the brother of Dave Eustace who had been in a training partnership with Maher before he resigned from the stable to take up a Hong Kong position in the new season.
After one start at York, Goldenstatewarrior was shipped out to Australia to join Maher.
Goldenstatewarrior was entered for the Sydney Cup, but the Maher stable elected to take their time with the gelding.
But after two jump-outs at Cranbourne in which Goldenstatewarrior won his first over 1000m before finishing third over 1200m, the gelding is ready to make his Australian debut in a benchmark 70 race on Saturday.
Assistant trainer Jack Turnbull, who runs Maher’s Cranbourne stable, said Goldenstatewarrior had trialled up well ahead of his outing at Bendigo.
“He’s been a lot sharper than his international form suggests which is good, because you don’t know which way they will go,” Turnbull said.
“Mark Zahra has had a sit on him a few times and quite likes him.
“He’s a nice horse, but we’ll just kick him off in a ratings race and see how he goes there.”
More Racing News
Mr consistency heads to the 2026 Ballarat Cup
Ocean Beyond might not always warm the hearts of punters, but he remains an exceptionally consistent earner for his connections. The Simon Ryan-trained gelding will attempt to secure his biggest payday yet when he contests the $500,000 Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) on Saturday, entering the race with more than $535,000 already...
Bar raised for in-form colt Swift Legend
Swift Legend has earned his opportunity in stronger company after back-to-back midweek victories, but jockey Jason Collett remains cautious as the colt continues to mature. The Dundeel youngster lines up in Sunday’s Vinnie @ Yarraman Park Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill, stepping out from recent wins at Warwick Farm and Canterbury. Collett says...
Inhabit out to book a 2026 Magic Millions Classic trip
Unbeaten filly Inhabit will be racing for a Magic Millions berth when she steps out again on Saturday. A stylish debut winner at Murray Bridge in October, she now lines up in the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Two-Year-Old Plate (1000m) at Morphettville Parks. Her assignment has been simplified with three scratchings, leaving...
Tommy Berry to test the summer carnival waters in 2025 George Moore Stakes
Tommy Berry will be a key figure in Brisbane this weekend as he reunites with Caballus, while also unveiling a valuable Magic Millions hopeful. Berry’s association with Caballus includes a Flemington stakes win two starts ago, prior to the sprinter backing up into the Champions Sprint, where he was unplaced behind...
Rob and Annabel Archibald hoping to return north with West Of Africa
Despite Sydney lacking a feature race this weekend, Sunday’s Rosehill program will be pivotal for Rob and Annabel Archibald as they shape their Magic Millions carnival team. The Archibalds will run West Of Africa and Mickey’s Medal in the TAB Handicap (1400m), with both aiming to justify a January trip to...
SA raider Promises Kept chases 2025 Ballarat Cup
Trainer Michael Hickmott is confident that new stable acquisition Promises Kept can give his owners plenty to look forward to over the next fortnight. The gelding heads east for Saturday’s Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) and may then target the Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) seven days later. Previously trained by Greg Eurell and...
Michael Dee makes Ascot return for Apulia in 2025 Northerly Stakes
Group 1-winning jockey Michael Dee is set to make a rare Perth appearance as he chases more elite-level success aboard Apulia. Dee will ride the Lindsay Park-trained entire in the Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot, marking his first visit to the track since November 2018. The Victorian lightweight has a strong record...
Son of ill-fated stallion St Jean scores impressive debut win
Melek, a staying-bred son of St Jean, made the perfect start to his racing career with a determined win over the mile at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday. The Ciaron Maher-trained four-year-old debuted in the Sportsbet Race Previews Plate (1600m) and made an immediate impact. Starting at $4.20 after firming late, Melek charged...
Slick return has Lubrication ready to rumble in 2025 George Moore Stakes
Lubrication has put his hand up for a strong summer campaign after a powerhouse first-up performance that sends him into the Group Three George Moore Stakes at Doomben full of confidence. The gelding enjoyed a breakout moment in May when winning the $1 million The Archer (1300m) at Rockhampton, defeating future...
Air has second Assault on the 2025 Ballarat Cup
A mature and more composed Air Assault will attempt to push his prizemoney beyond $1 million when he lines up in Saturday’s Ballarat Cup. Trainer Andrew Gluyas says the gelding has finally pieced it all together after years of racing keenly, noting the now nine-time winner has developed into a tractable,...