Strong Australian debut for Mukhtalif in Caulfield's Robert Taranto Handicap

Ciaron Maher's yard reliably uncovers overseas gallopers suited to winter campaigns with notable endurance qualities.

The Irish import Mukhtalif marked his entry into Australian racing with a commanding performance, securing the Robert Taranto Handicap (1800m) at Caulfield last Saturday and hinting at a successful tenure under his new handler.

Starting as the $4.60 favourite under jockey Ben Allen, Mukhtalif travelled prominently before powering to a two-length margin over $5.50 chance Figlio D'Argento, with $11 shot Merchant Flyer grabbing third by a short half-head.

Mukhtalif arrived with victories at Newmarket and York under his belt, snapped up by new syndicate owners including the My Racehorse group and Jack Turnbull, Ciaron Maher's assistant trainer nationwide. Turnbull mentioned no plans for a hasty progression with the gelding.

The stable aims to leverage the gelding's modest handicap mark as they ease him into tougher fields progressively.

"Whilst he's fresh, I don't think we'll have to rush him up in trip," Turnbull said.

"There's an 1800-metre race at Flemington, at the end of the month, April 25, so that was our next possible option if we did win here.

"But we'll see how he is. He's not slow, he's just one of those horses you have to be careful how you ride him.

"He was well bought and hopefully he's our next progressive winter stayer."

Allen drove early from the outside gate to slot into second behind the placegetter, then assumed command soon past the turn.

"We didn't think he would be as forward in the run as he was," Turnbull said.

"He did a fraction of work to get to where he did, but then he relaxed well for Ben thereafter and had a couple of cheap sectionals and then built.

"He's the type that can build and once he didn't get caught out on that tempo, he was able to build and was strong through the line."

According to Allen, Mukhtalif was eager to keep going even after crossing the line comfortably.

"When the others caught up over the line he wanted to go again and it took me a while to pull him up," Allen said.

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