Maher stablemates eye South Australian Derby at Caulfield
Amazake has the South Australian Derby in his sights with a crucial outing planned at Caulfield.
The Listed Galilee Series Final (2400m) this Saturday acts as the pathway to the Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) scheduled for Morphettville on May 2.
Ciaron Maher's Dad And Dave and Awesome Artist will line up alongside Amazake in the Saturday contest.
Jack Turnbull, assistant trainer for the national Maher operation, explained that Dad And Dave seeks to confirm his Derby credentials on Saturday, as Awesome Artist potentially eyes the Listed VRC St Leger (2800m) over 2800m at Flemington on April 25.
Amazake remains winless from eight attempts yet exhibits notable stamina credentials, appearing more developed compared to his spring form.
This gelding secured third in the Group 3 Norman Robinson Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield prior to struggling in the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington—a race Turnbull acknowledged the horse wasn't prepared for.
"We gave him a crack because he ran a place in the Norman Robinson, but he was up against Observer at that stage who was a cut above," Turnbull said.
"Time has been his friend and he's a fuller horse now and more mature.
"I think he'll be fine now, so we'll give him his chance, so he'll run on Saturday and then onto the Derby in South Australia.
"He's still a maiden, which you wouldn't believe, but he's won good prize money and has been running in good form races and only getting beaten a couple of lengths, with excuses.
"He's in good shape."
Amazake and Dad And Dave progressed from the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on March 21, recording fourth and ninth positions.
Dad 'N' Dave spent summer racing in Tasmania, triumphing in the Tasmanian Derby (2200m) during February.
"If he doesn't run to form, we'll probably turn him out," Turnbull said.
"He's done the whole Tasmania thing, and he would want to show us that he warrants a trip for the Derby.
"Awesome Artist is down here after winning last time and maybe heading to the St Leger."
Find the top online bookmakers for betting markets for the race on the online bookmakers list ahead of the South Australian Derby.
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