Maher 3YOs to step out at Sandown races

The Ciaron Maher stable is set to kick off the autumn campaigns of two promising three-year-olds, Odinson and Another Prophet, in a competitive Stakes race at Sandown this Saturday. Both will line up in the Group 3 Manfred Stakes (1200m) as they gear up for more significant autumn targets.

Another Prophet: Aiming for More Guineas Glory

A surprise Group 1 Thousand Guineas winner last spring, Another Prophet is being prepared for another Guineas assignment this campaign, with the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington in March firmly in the stable's sights.

Assistant trainer Jack Turnbull is pleased with the filly’s progress ahead of her return. After two jump-outs, Another Prophet is ready to kick off her preparation.

“She was unassuming last prep,” Turnbull explained. “She won her maiden over 1100 metres, but we threw her in the deep end because she was threatening, getting beat two, three lengths and being just off them.”

Turnbull credited jockey Ethan Brown for the decision to target the Thousand Guineas (1600m), a gamble that paid off when she claimed victory in November.

“She lobbed in a perfect spot, Ethan gave her a good ride, she saw out the mile and has continued to get better,” he said.

While Saturday’s race will be challenging for Another Prophet, Turnbull believes it’s an ideal stepping stone for the filly as she builds towards her ultimate goal.

“It’ll be difficult to win on Saturday, I think, but it gives us an opportunity to have a run over six furlongs and then look for that seven-furlong option,” he said.

“We believe an Australian Guineas is a realistic grand final in Victoria for her. Keeping her in Victoria this prep, then aiming for something like the Empire Rose in the spring, should be perfect.”

Odinson: Back After a Break

Odinson, meanwhile, is returning after missing the spring due to a minor foot issue. Despite this setback, Turnbull revealed the stable has high hopes for the colt and has taken a cautious approach to his preparation.

“There was nothing structural, but he had to have an extended period of time off,” Turnbull said. “In a sense, he’s very well handicapped on Saturday for the horse he is.”

Odinson has been working well in the lead-up and is fit enough to make an impression despite having room for improvement.

“He’s had a bit of work. He has improvement, but he’s fit enough and forward enough to run well,” Turnbull noted.

Looking ahead, the Inglis Sprint (1200m) at Flemington on March 1 is a key target for Odinson, a race the Maher stable won last year with Estriella.

With both horses kicking off their campaigns on Saturday, the Maher team is excited about the autumn prospects for their talented three-year-olds.