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.”