Maher sizes up the competition in 2026 Magic Millions Classic

Ciaron Maher is no stranger to Magic Millions success and believes he has assembled the right team to mount another serious challenge in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic this Saturday.

The master trainer will rely on Maribyrnong Plate winner Tornado Valley and exciting Caulfield debutant Unit Five in the $3 million sprint over 1200 metres.

Although acknowledging the strength of Bjorn Baker-trained Warwoven, who firmed sharply after drawing barrier six, Maher remains upbeat about his own pair.

“They’re very good chances, the favourite looks very hard to beat, but I think they’ll be thereabouts,” Maher said.

“Bjorn’s has drawn well and it’s the favourite for a reason – it looks a good on-speed, tough horse, and they’re hard to beat – but I’m very happy with ours.”

Maher previously won the Classic with Away Game and Coolangatta when training alongside David Eustace, both horses following Queensland-based lead-up paths.

That blueprint has again been used with Tornado Valley, who chased home Zip Lock in the Group 3 B J McLachlan Stakes (1200m) late last month.

Earlier in his preparation, the son of Too Darn Hot landed the Group 3 Maribyrnong Plate (1000m) at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day.

“I’m very happy with his preparation, it was the plan that we set out, and he’s definitely still very much on the up and will come on from his run the other day,” Maher said.

“We’ve put the blinkers on just help him focus that little bit, he is pretty casual, so I think we’ll get a twist there.”

Tornado Valley will jump from the gate inside Warwoven, while Unit Five drew barrier nine.

With markets firming across leading betting platforms, anticipation is building for the Gold Coast feature.

Maher said Unit Five’s January 5 trial on the Gold Coast gave him plenty of confidence heading into Saturday’s assignment.

“He trialled super, he came through his trial good, and while he hadn’t travelled before, that’s been no problem at all,” Maher said.

“I thought anywhere inside (barrier) 10 would be ideal and he’s drawn nine, so that’s not too bad.”

Thomas Stockdale partners Unit Five in search of his biggest career success, while Ethan Brown continues aboard Tornado Valley.

The post Maher sizes up another Magic Millions Classic first appeared on Just Horse Racing.