Ciaron Maher eyes Blue Diamond glory with Unit Five at forefront

At his second career start, Unit Five etched his name in the record books by claiming the Magic Millions 2YO Classic, with Ciaron Maher convinced the undefeated colt is primed to set fresh benchmarks this coming weekend at Caulfield.

The son of Supido anchors Maher's three-horse raid on the $2 million Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes, joined by stablemates Ghana's Akan and Milsons Point.

Maher chose to bypass a subsequent race for Unit Five following the January 17 Gold Coast triumph, and although the Magic Millions 2YO Classic has never directly led to Diamond success, the trainer feels it's ideal for his charge after running third to Milsons Point in Monday's Cranbourne heat.

"He trialled well and he seems very similar," Maher said.

"He's a very similar weight, travelled down well and seems in similar order. I can't fault him, really, he's a very straightforward horse.

"I think he'll run to that (Gold Coast run) and possibly better given it's only his third run.

"I like the fact that his runs have been spaced and he's fresh. It worked going into that (Gold Coast) race and I think it'll work going into this race."

Unit Five's debut prior to the Gold Coast was a powerful success in the $250,000 Magic Millions Victorian 2YO Classic held at Caulfield on December 20.

In current Blue Diamond wagering, he's a $7 prospect behind Big Sky and Guest House from Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, with Closer To Free—the winner of the latest Blue Diamond Prelude on debut—also ahead.

At $34, recent Blue Diamond Preview placegetter Milsons Point caught Maher's eye in the trial, and the Blue Point son should appreciate the step up beyond 1000m initially.

"I think the 1200 will really suit him, he was looking for the 12 the other day, he was there to win the race but just didn't have that turn of foot over 1000," Maher said.

"I think the 1200 it will be a different story."

Ghana's Akan, much like Unit Five, comes off a cross-border effort in a high-value sales event, runner-up in February 7's $2 million Inglis Millennium at 1100m—her third in five weeks—but the Street Boss daughter is coping well according to Maher.

"She has been busy, but she's also fit and well and sound," he said.

"She doesn't need to do any work. She's been busy, she's been travelling, so you're just backing off and you don't mind doing that with two-year-olds."

On Saturday, Ethan Brown rides Ghana's Akan for the initial time, Ben Allen continues aboard Milsons Point, and Tom Stockdale retains the connection with Unit Five. Check out the top Australian betting sites for Blue Diamond Stakes options.

The post Unit Five leads Maher Blue Diamond Stakes assault first appeared on Just Horse Racing.