Maher stable's young guns set for spring debut

Two promising juveniles from the Ciaron Maher stable are set to commence their spring racing campaigns at Caulfield this Saturday, with the stable aiming for significant assignments later in the season.

Ghana's Akan and Milsons Point will compete in the Stow Robotics Handicap over 1100 metres, marking their first official race since the autumn carnival.

Milsons Point has been gelded since his last run in the VOBIS Showdown (1200m) at Caulfield in March. Jack Turnbull, National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, believes Saturday's event is an ideal launching pad for future targets.

"He's a big lad," Turnbull said regarding Milsons Point. "Last prep he was strong as a colt, but he has softened up a touch as a gelding. He is a miler, that's his future, so he'll go up in trip pretty quick."

The gelding has had two recent jump-outs to prepare for his return, including a win in an 800-metre heat at Caulfield last week.

"We're pleased with how he's come back, but his Grand Finals are down the track," Turnbull confirmed. "The Caulfield Guineas would be his Grand Final, but we don't know if he's good enough. We'll give him his chance to get there in races like the Mike Moroney at Flemington, the Prelude or the Stutt Stakes."

Ghana's Akan is yet to break her maiden status after four starts, however, she has recorded two second placings and amassed close to $470,000 in prizemoney.

The daughter of Street Boss finished second in the Inglis Millennium at Randwick before concluding her last campaign with a fifth in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield.

Despite her winless record, Ghana's Akan has been allocated top weight of 59kg, which will be reduced by the 3kg claim of apprentice jockey Jabez Johnstone.

"We were sort of surprised in a way with the weight, but she's a talented filly that put the writing on the wall last prep," Turnbull stated. "She's strengthened up but will be better again coming out of the spring into the autumn. She's quick, she had a nice trial last week and she's cleaned up in the skin."

Turnbull indicated that Ghana's Akan is likely to be kept to sprinting distances during the spring, with the Group 3 Quezette Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on August 15 being a potential early objective.

"The three weeks should work well, so that's her path," Turnbull explained. "I think she's more short course. That's the way we see her, and I think the 1100 and 1200 metres is her go this prep."

Saturday's Stow Robotics Handicap marks an opportune moment for these stablemates to commence their spring campaigns.

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